#Endpoint usb security portable

By fortifying often forgotten access points, USB port blocking can form an effective last line of defense against external and internal threats alike. In essence, it renders readily available ports inactive to access requests, which in turn, prevents computers from running ransomware and other malware written to flash drives. USB port blocking has emerged as a vital component in endpoint security. Once they plug a compromised flash drive into a company computer, ransomware can bypass existing security systems and gain direct endpoint access. All it takes is one employee who doesn’t understand the risks, to unknowingly invite chaos into the equation.

While firewalls and anti-virus software are sufficient in thwarting external attacks, they are practically defenseless against internal threats. Organizations invest heavily in endpoint security solutions.

#Endpoint usb security portable

Of course, the big difference is the portable nature of a now weaponized mobile device with the power to cause widespread damage across unsuspecting networks. Hackers can use a USB drive’s inherited vulnerability to overwrite the firmware and hijack the device just as they would the typical PC. There is more than enough storage to accommodate malicious software, and with no defense mechanisms baked into the manufacturing process, it is essentially sold as an insecure product. The firm estimates that 37 percent of attacks are designed with USB connections in mind, representing a nearly 100 percent increase from 2020.Ī USB drive is a hacker’s dream tool. Unfortunately, this convenient accessibility acts as a double-edged sword that leaves the USB port vulnerable to a plethora of security exploits, including the dreaded ransomware attack.Īccording to the 2021 Industrial Cybersecurity USB Threat Report from Honeywell, USB ports pose a significant threat to mission-critical operations. From printers and portable flash drives to smartphones and tablets, transferring data between devices has never been easier. USB connectivity is the most common way to tap into the power of modern technology.