USB Device Control and Removable Media Policy

USB drives are a significant security risk — they can introduce malware from external sources and exfiltrate sensitive data. A removable media policy should define what devices are permitted and implement technical controls to enforce it. Policy options range from restrictive (block all USB storage devices) to permissive with monitoring (log all USB activity). For most businesses, a middle ground works: block unauthorized USB storage devices but allow approved encrypted drives (e.g., company-issued IronKey), and block unknown devices. Technical enforcement via Microsoft Intune: Device configuration > Endpoint protection > Device control. Block all removable storage by default, then create exceptions for approved device IDs. For Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access > deny read/write access to removable disks. Also use DLP policies to alert when large amounts of data are copied to removable media. Educate staff: never plug in a USB drive found in public — this is a well-known attack vector (rubber ducky attacks).