With USB flash drives, we have the most convenient and reliable method of saving our data digitally. It’s essential to have one of the top USB Port Blocker apps to keep data safe. We may carry USB flash drives in our pockets or handbags and take them with us everywhere we go without any problem. We will take a look at the best USB lockdown software tools on the market today.
Here is our list of the best USB lockdown tools:
- ManageEngine Device Control Plus (FREE TRIAL) – Offers robust DLP tools and Zero Trust security, ideal for large enterprises.
- Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys – Features cross-platform protection and innovative USB encryption, suitable for active, large-scale environments.
- USB Lock RP – A lightweight, adaptable solution with hardware ID recognition, perfect for both small and large networks.
- DriveLock – Offers cloud-based security with unique personnel instruction features, enhancing data handling awareness.
- GFI Endpoint Security – Provides comprehensive device control with a user-friendly dashboard, great for real-time device monitoring.
- Safetica – Combines DLP with insider threat detection, ideal for data protection and regulatory compliance.
- DeviceLock – Features advanced leakage protection with context-based management, suitable for startups and agencies.
- Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption – A versatile solution for companies of all sizes, focusing on comprehensive data loss prevention.
Instead of cumbersome hard drives, we can save our photos, music, documents, and just about anything else on USB flash drives thanks to their small size and high storage capacity. These gadgets may be plugged into any laptop or computer and we can immediately view our data. Despite this, USB flash drives are often overlooked as a potential source of malware or infected files since they are so widely accessible and widely accepted as a storage medium. This may lead to data loss.
Is there a better method to stop this? When you’re just moving your data from one device to another, USB flash drives may contain a slew of viruses and spyware that can infect your computer without your awareness. All environments are in danger from unrestricted USB ports. It may seem hard to securely shut off USB access without hindering legitimate operations, whether you’re attempting to avoid infection or data theft.
Why do we need device control software?
Data loss and theft may be avoided with the help of Device Control technologies. Removable storage devices, such as USB flash drives, and mobile connectivity technologies like WiFi, provide convenience and boost productivity, but they also present security issues. Protecting PII (Personally Identifiable Information) and IP (Intellectual Property) is made easier with Device Control solutions.
Benefits of port control software for USB and peripheral ports
- Using USB lockdown software or USB blocking software, unauthorized devices can’t access endpoints or sensitive data. As a result, data can’t be copied to or stored on untrusted media.
- Organizations will be able to manage the transfer of vital data via USB and Peripheral ports thanks to this software. When the data is removed, you’ll be able to see it. Preventing data loss is the primary goal of these applications.
- All devices in the company may be controlled precisely using high-quality device control solutions. Offline temporary passwords and transfer limitations are just a few examples of the functionality it may have. Encryption is also included to keep personal information safe from prying eyes.
Features of USB Device Control Software
- Features of Trust Levels Companies will be able to use this functionality to link portable devices or equipment with a high degree of security. Organizations that often connect devices to endpoints might benefit from this tool’s functionality.
- Time-based and network-based policies An administrator may specify various access privileges for computers that are used outside the corporate network or during business hours by using this functionality. Companies with BYOD rules will appreciate this functionality.
- There should be an ability for the software to monitor the usage of devices and provide reports on them. You may use these reports to detect weak points and conduct audits.
Our methodology for selecting the best USB lockdown tool
We’ve broken down our analysis for you based on these key criteria:
- Ability to monitor and control data transfer across various endpoints.
- Support for diverse operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- User-friendly interface for managing security policies and monitoring activities.
- Implementation of Zero Trust security models for enhanced data protection.
- Provision of real-time alerts and comprehensive reporting for security incidents.
The Best USB Lockdown Software
With these essential features in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best USB lockdown software tools currently available. To assist sysadmins to balance security and productivity in their environments, we examined and assessed eight of the finest USB lockdown software applications. Let’s get started now, please.
1. ManageEngine Device Control Plus (FREE TRIAL)
If you are looking for the best USB lockdown software for your corporation, ManageEngine’s Device Control Plus is a great option. Additionally, the platform is unique in that it comes pre-loaded with multiple features that make onboarding fast and straightforward.
Key Features:
- Advanced Data Loss Prevention
- Automatic rule propagation
- Real-time dashboard insights
Why do we recommend it?
ManageEngine Device Control Plus stands out for its comprehensive approach to data loss prevention and its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for large-scale enterprise use.
By delivering Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to block data leakage and identify early symptoms of insider assaults, the platform goes well beyond conventional USB lockdown software. The ability to set up zones for read-only access, identify devices with broad rights, and automatically propagate rules to new devices is a powerful tool for system administrators.
File metrics such as size, type, and location may be used to set transfer control and detect suspect file transfers. As a result, data theft may be avoided, and the reason for data access can be determined. The Zero Trust strategy of ManageEngine Device Control Plus depends on a trusted device list to enable various access levels rather than working backward to limit access.
It is possible to provide a user one-time access to a system with rights that expire after a certain period. As time passes, the website builds up a profile of daily tasks performed by users. Use this data to detect suspicious activities and highlight probable insider action when anomalies develop. Automated scripts may be used to initiate a threat activity response, or an alarm signal can be sent through integration. This works well for small teams as well as large organizations that use a help desk queue to send notifications.
Finally, the platform offers an easy-to-use dashboard that allows you to check the status of all managed endpoints and follow crucial alarms both historically and in real-time. As a USB lockdown solution for medium and large-scale enterprises, ManageEngine Device Control Plus is a powerful tool.
Who is it recommended for?
This tool is highly recommended for medium to large enterprises seeking robust USB lockdown capabilities and detailed monitoring of data transfer activities.
Pros:
- Intuitive automatic discovery.
- Advanced insider attack prevention.
- Detailed file metrics for security.
Cons:
- May be complex for smaller teams.
2. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys
Cross-platform protection with Endpoint Protector is the industry standard for Data Loss Prevention. Lockdown solutions for sensitive data transit, storage, and recovery are a major emphasis of the brand. A zero-trust strategy for device control might be difficult to implement in big, active situations. It’s important to have a variety of choices to choose from when deciding on a whitelist strategy.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform protection
- Context-aware data security
- Automatic USB encryption
- Compliance-driven features
Why do we recommend it?
Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys excels in providing robust cross-platform data protection with its innovative context-aware security and encryption features.
The identities of Endpoint Security These issues provide system administrators several options to secure, administer and keep tabs on the company’s equipment. For example, LDAP users may define rules and groups based on vendor ID, product ID, serial number, and existing permission groups. Using content-aware scanning and encryption, the platform also employs a novel approach to data security.
This sort of security lets the system recognize context depending on actions, users, and the type of data accessed. Administrators may use this as a starting point to construct additional rules, saving time throughout the onboarding process. As a result of automatic USB encryption, your data will always be encrypted, no matter where it travels.
Having data encrypted both in transit and at rest helps firms stay compliant. This password-based process merely adds a single step to the workflow of the end user. There are a variety of features in Endpoint Protector that help businesses protect their data while also showing that they comply, including device restrictions, DLP settings, and encryption.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for organizations requiring a versatile solution for data protection across various platforms, with a focus on compliance and encryption.
Pros:
- Versatile whitelist strategies.
- Automated encryption for data.
- Comprehensive compliance tools.
Cons:
- May be overwhelming for smaller networks.
3. USB Lock RP
One of the primary functions of the USB Lock RP device control platform is the ability to restrict access to USB ports. With a dark-mode dashboard, managers of any size network can better monitor their data.
Key Features:
- Restricts USB port access
- Lightweight agent design
- Automatic hardware ID recognition
- Customizable blocking screens
Why do we recommend it?
USB Lock RP is effective for its straightforward and efficient USB port access restriction, especially suitable for networks with low resources.
For devices with low resources, the platform utilizes a lightweight agent to govern endpoints and send out policy enforcement. To enable just particular USB devices like speakers or printers, the enforcement recognizes hardware IDs automatically. To avoid data theft and infection, policy enforcement works on the system level to block the transmission or reception of data by unauthorized devices. A safe environment is created by default by automatically barring unfamiliar devices, and thus reduces the number of times new hardware is scanned when it is inserted into a computer.
Data may be exported in CSV format and logged in a standard way for up to 5000 devices. To make it easier for managed service providers (MSPs) to sell this solution, customers may customize blocking screens with their firm logos. It’s possible to use USB Lock RP in both small and large networks. As a result of its lightweight agent and support for Windows NT, this tool is both strong and adaptable.
Who is it recommended for?
Best suited for both small and large networks looking for a simple yet robust solution for controlling USB port access with minimal system impact.
Pros:
- Dark-mode dashboard for easy monitoring.
- Suitable for resource-limited devices.
- Supports a wide range of networks.
Cons:
- UI may seem basic for some users.
4. DriveLock
DriveLock delivers cloud-based endpoint security that adheres to the Zero Trust principle to protect endpoints and other network traffic. Several other capabilities may be purchased as separate services, like device encryption and app control.
Key Features:
- Cloud-based endpoint security
- Comprehensive training tools
- Flexible BYOD policy integration
Why do we recommend it?
DriveLock‘s cloud-based solution, combined with its focus on user education and flexible policies, makes it a standout choice for comprehensive endpoint protection.
To make it easier for administrators to see the most important information and metrics, DriveLock employs a minimalistic management console. Additionally, it makes good use of color to help you learn more about your surroundings, and its widget-based interface lets you make it your own.
Device control, including USB lockdown, is included in the platform. DriveLock’s ability to instruct personnel on how to manage sensitive information makes it a standout feature. If someone attempts to access the system in an unauthorized manner, this feature may provide a brief tutorial to help them understand what they’re doing wrong. Aside from training employees to be more security-aware, this gives administrators a record of who attempted to access which files and how many times they attempted it.
With the addition of DriveLock’s controls for both internal and BYOD contexts, users may build flexible rules without removing their present device policy. The utility also blocks alternative methods of media removal, such as CDs or DVD burners, which some other tools may not have.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for businesses seeking a combination of endpoint security and employee training, especially in environments with a mix of corporate and personal devices.
Pros:
- Innovative security-awareness training.
- Advanced internal and BYOD controls.
- Blocks alternative media removal methods.
Cons:
- Widget-based interface may require customization.
5. GFI Endpoint Security
The capabilities and policies that GFI Endpoint Security implements across all endpoints provide users complete control over their devices and help prevent data loss. In the beginning, the product uses an awareness model in which it scans the networks and finds information that is susceptible to a breach. Medical records, Social Security numbers, and other personal information may all be found in these types of files. Risk zones are then generated that enable system administrators to evaluate where further security measures are needed to secure the data.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive device control
- Automated agent deployment
- Real-time device monitoring
- Regulatory compliance support
Why do we recommend it?
GFI Endpoint Security offers extensive control over devices with a focus on preventing data loss and ensuring compliance, making it highly reliable for large-scale networks.
Automated agent deployment allows users to keep track of all of their managed devices in real-time, as new devices join the network or domain. Quickly and automatically, agents may be installed to lock down USB ports or limit the use of other devices.
A simple dashboard on the platform allows users to keep track of all their accounts in one place. Compared to other products, the UI seems antiquated, but it does the job. With GFI Endpoint Security, you can keep track of and report on crucial events and other actions, both for your records and satisfy regulatory requirements. The GFI Unlimited Suite, which includes GFI Endpoint Security, begins at $39.90 per endpoint agent for a deployment of 10 to 49.
Who is it recommended for?
Best for large organizations needing a robust tool for real-time monitoring and management of endpoint security, with a strong emphasis on compliance.
Pros:
- Effective risk zone identification.
- Seamless integration with existing networks.
- User-friendly dashboard.
- Comprehensive reporting and tracking.
Cons:
- Interface may appear outdated.
6. Safetica
Protecting data is a top priority for Safetica, which does this via DLP, detection of insider threats, and regulatory controls for system administrators. Both accidental data loss and deliberate insider data theft may be prevented by this combination of measures.
Key Features:
- Advanced DLP capabilities
- Insider threat detection
- Customizable device management
- Incremental backup integration
Why do we recommend it?
Safetica‘s strong emphasis on data protection and insider threat detection, combined with customizable device management, makes it an excellent choice for comprehensive security.
It is possible to describe how files may be moved, as well as how USB ports can be restricted or locked down, by creating flows. These rules provide for precise control over the movement of data, guaranteeing that it will always be able to reach its intended destination without being diverted. A comprehensive behavioral analysis is used to identify harmful behavior based on the baseline of ordinary end-user activity to detect insider threats.
When used in conjunction with a Zero Trust policy, this may detect the emergence of a rogue employee and immediately block their access until a human review is complete. Incorporating incremental backups with user-configurable device management, the DLP feature guards against data loss. It is first necessary to conduct a security audit to identify potentially sensitive information. Second, these zones will serve as the basis for user policy. This is followed by the creation of automatic reports and notifications for any potential security concerns.
Who is it recommended for?
Recommended for organizations seeking a multifaceted approach to data protection, especially those concerned with insider threats and regulatory compliance.
Pros:
- Detailed data movement control.
- Behavioral analysis for threat detection.
- Automated security audits.
Cons:
- May require initial setup time.
7. DeviceLock
DeviceLock offers optimum leakage protection at minimal upfront and ownership costs by combining context- and content-based management. Device access control software also incorporates network communications control, content filtering, and content discovery capabilities.
Key Features:
- Context and content-based management
- Advanced content detection
- Screenshot blocking capabilities
- Comprehensive Security Management
Why do we recommend it?
DeviceLock‘s unique combination of context-aware management and advanced content detection tools make it a strong contender for minimizing data leakage.
Here is a more in-depth look at its features:
- Controlling access to ports, peripherals, storage, redirects, and other devices guarantees that no information is leaked over local channels.
- Context-aware restrictions on Windows endpoints limit data leakage via system communications. To improve business process compliance, enforce restrictions on both plain and SSL-encrypted communication.
- Content detection using pre-built templates of Regular Expression (RegExp) patterns and industry keyword filters, as well as data fingerprinting for unstructured data, are all possible with DeviceLock.
- It prevents data leaks at the point of data transfer, which is when data is moved from one document to another. User access is controlled for objects of various data kinds (even for redirected BYOD devices) copied into the clipboard, and content-aware DLP rules filter textual data.
- Blocking screenshots through Windows Print Screen or display capturing properties of third-party software for certain users or groups is a good way to keep sensitive data safe.
- Using content-aware DLP rules, textual data may be filtered and retrieved from collected screen pictures.
Startups and agencies may benefit from DeviceLock’s comprehensive Security Management Software. It delivers a complete set of Windows-optimized solutions. This security management solution includes Sensitive Data Detection, Policy & Compliance Monitoring, Web Threat Management, and Audit Trail.
Who is it recommended for?
Ideal for startups and agencies looking for a cost-effective yet comprehensive security management solution, especially those needing detailed content control.
Pros:
- Effective local channel leakage prevention.
- SSL-encrypted communication control.
- Sensitive data protection features.
Cons:
- May have a learning curve for new users.
8. Trend Micro
Ideal for companies of any size. As far as network and off-network loss of data is concerned, Trend Micro’s solutions keep an eye out for and stop it. It can identify spyware, viruses, Trojans, and other malware. Other DLP Standalone Solutions include Trend Micro DLP Endpoint and Network Monitor, as well as the Management Server.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive encryption capabilities
- Centralized iDLP system management
- Extensive device monitoring
- Supports a wide range of devices
Why do we recommend it?
Trend Micro’s Endpoint Encryption excels in preventing data loss across a broad range of devices, offering robust encryption and malware protection.
Multiple iDLP systems may be managed from a single console for policy, events, and reporting, and the tool allows you to keep tabs on sensitive data as it travels from your computer to mobile devices or SaaS apps in transit. Furthermore, Trend Micro’s USB, CD, DVD, LPT port, detachable disc, floppy disc, infrared and image devices, PCMCIA, and modems may all be monitored and controlled.
Who is it recommended for?
Highly recommended for companies of any size needing a versatile solution for data protection, especially those concerned with data in transit and storage.
Pros:
- Efficient policy and event management.
- Effective data transit monitoring.
- Strong focus on malware detection.
Cons:
- Interface may seem complex for smaller businesses.
Conclusion
Using Device Control software, you can monitor and control data transfers from endpoints to removable storage devices, as well as prevent data loss from occurring. These were some of the most effective device control software solutions available on the market. ManageEngine Device Control is the most powerful Device Control software available, and we strongly recommend it.
