Blocking memory sticks, mobile phones and cameras

[ReverentCreature]

Does anyone know of any reasonable school friendly security software that blocks the use of unauthorised USB devices?
We need to tighten our Data Security.
Many thanks,

[SYNACK]

Group policy can block USB device types and require encryption on windows 7 or above. Intel vpro machines also have a bit of software.

You may also be able to disable them in the individual PC's BIOS but that is just turning them off rather than a specific block.

[MatthewL]

We have McAfee Port Control and also Sophos which blocks these too.

[psydii]

Sophos Endpoint can do it really easily and it isn't too much faff to authorise specific devices.


Actually this is a lie. No matter how easy it is, the hassle will alway be 'too much' unless you start removing limbs from people who 'need' their device(s) authorised as a deterrent.

[ReverentCreature]

Thanks for your replies. We are an RM school here (CC4) so Im not sure hoe compatible these products will be. I dont thin Groupm Policy settings will be enough to allow our authorised/bought keys but block all others. Im also not sure if McAfee Port Control and Sophos will work well with our Symantec RM Virus Protect 5.

[MatthewL]

Can't comment if it will work with that but out of the two Sophos is far easier than Port Control which is aweful to configure and add devices to an allow list. Sophos works really well and is quite modern shall we say.

[glennda]

SafeEnd Protect is what i tend to recommend.