Secure USB Drive

After being banned in November 2008, it looks likely that USB flash drives are about to be reintroduced to U.S. Defense Department computers and networks.

But there will be very strict controls on their use, to avoid future malware and security issues which caused the DoD to suspend the use of all USB memory sticks, removable storage devices and camera flash cards on all networks after a worm infection.

In a recent blog post, the CIO for the U.S. Navy, Robert Cary said Defense officials are finalising details of the new USB security policy.  Cary said in his blog that the important thing is to ensure that thumb drives used in the future cannot transfer viruses to military computers and networks.

Policies will also include practice such as authorised staff being issued with government-owned and procured secure USB drives, a ban on all personally owned flash media, and upgrades to DoD antivirus and malware detection and procedures.  These are all recommended, sensible controls to ensure network hygiene and reduced risks of data losses.