Device control: An essential step to eliminate the loss of sensitive business data

Peripheral devices like USBs and printers are incredibly useful but without adequate security measures like a robust DLP software in place, they can pose a significant risk to an organization which can result in the loss of valuable business data. With ManageEngine Endpoint DLP Plus software, IT admins can easily restrict access such that only the peripheral devices belonging to trusted users can be allowed to view or transfer sensitive data. It allows for simple and quick configurations that ensure device control and subsequently the company's ability to meet more privacy compliance goals.

Here's how to implement granular device control using Endpoint DLP Plus

There are four levels of permissions can be granted to adhere to the specific requirements of your organization.

1. Audit only - All devices are granted access to computers but every instance and file action is logged and archived for future analysis.
2. Allow within trusted domains - The devices are given conditional access to a specific set of computers which contain files relevant to the user role.
3. Block with permission to override - If a user finds that a device is blocked from transferring a file that they deem necessary, they can provide a justification and override the policy. This action will also be logged and the reasoning will be available for the admin to review at their discretion.
4. Block - This is a highly restrictive policy that ensures maximum security as it prohibits the usage of all devices on all computers.

The levels of permissions are easy to configure such that policies can be set according to each user and their particular scenario. This is advantageous as it allows for increased flexibility for both the admin and the employees.

Which security measures are crucial for preventing data loss via devices?

Insiders are common causes of data disclosure via devices. They are employees within the company who have legitimate access to the network systems but can sometimes accidentally or deliberately leak data. In order to prevent them from doing so, access restrictions will have to be enforced. Ordinary employees should be prohibited from accessing sensitive files without express permission and only highly authorized personnel should be allowed to transfer sensitive data via devices as long as it is relevant to their tasks.

Leverage Endpoint DLP Plus to prevent insider threats and device usage

Avail the convenience of the USB without the risk

Up to 50% of companies are lacking protection from dangerous flash drives(verdict). For organizations that allow Bring your own device (BYOD), sometimes when sensitive data is transferred via these unofficial devices, there's a potential risk that they might belong to a malicious actor, contain malware, get lost or stolen. Despite these risks, USB's don't have to be banned outright, instead with Endpoint DLP Plus, devices permissions can be granted only for highly trusted employees to be able to access specific computers.

Reinforce printer security to prevent the download of sensitive files.

Printers are also peripheral devices that are present in most organizations which hackers can use to extract a physical copy of the sensitive data to sneak out of the company. However, printers do not have many alternatives so the only choice is to enhance their security. Using Endpoint DLP Plus, policies can be created to allow printer usage for ordinary files but for critical files that have sensitive information, a select few printers (or none) can be given permission.

Download a 30-day free trial to to start regulating the peripheral devices in your organization!