Security - Restricting to specific USB sticks

S

SCiFiRE

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jun 13, 2000
Messages
1,694
Hi Guys,
really wasnt sure where to post it, so i have posted it here and in storage.

Ive got some laptops at work, and i want to stop people from using unauthorised USB sticks. I do NOT want to restrict USB sticks completely, as it not only makes my job harder but also negates our emergency file-transfer system if our wireless goes down.

So Im wondering if there is a method or some software that would have the laptops only accept two or three specific USB sticks (via device ID, or a certificate file, some sort of encyption even)?

The laptops are all running Windows XP SP2
 
I agree with Keiichi, I can't think of anything better. Disable them all, and know how to enable them when you need to. Its better than filling all the USB ports with superglue at least :).
 
Nah, I'd rather just leave them enabled and give the team a stern talking to about bringing in outside USB sticks. If Im not here and the wireless goes down (which i have no control over, thats the contracted IT dept), They need a quick method of transfering files or core-business will stop.

Ive found a few software package options now that look like they do what i need.
thanks anyway guys
 
Zen10 from novell does this I think.

That's if you want the overhead of running zen that is.
 
You may be able to do this by installing the drivers needed by a few types of USB sticks, then denying your users the ability to install new hardware / drivers. I would have to think that through for a bit though.
 
archivalbackup said:
You may be able to do this by installing the drivers needed by a few types of USB sticks, then denying your users the ability to install new hardware / drivers. I would have to think that through for a bit though.
Click to expand...
Wouldn't work; most USB keys work with the generic mass storage driver. No additional drivers needed, and the driver loads just fine as a limited user.
 
Pretty sure you can do this in Symantec Endpoint Security.... not sure if that's something you'd be interested in migrating to, though.
 
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