Locking down USB ports is one of the best security practices to ensure organizations are safe from data loss, data theft, or malware infection. 

In this post, we will go through the ten best USB lockdown software tools that will help you protect your organization from data theft, data leaks, or Malware. 

USB pen drives are the most accessible removable media for anyone wanting to steal data or inject Malware. An insider can steal sensitive company data stored in servers or workstations with unsecured I/O ports by simply plugging in a USB drive. In addition, an outsider (such as a hacker) could use social engineering techniques like USB baiting or USB scams to inject Malware into the network. 

Here is our list of the best USB lockdown software tools:

1. ThreatLocker Storage Control – EDITOR’S CHOICE This tool blocks all USB devices from attaching to computers on a network. These blocks can be lifted by a central administrator for access by an authorized user. Access a free demo.
2. CrowdStrike Falcon Device Control A USB lockdown software that gives you full visibility and granular control for safe USB utilization.
3. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys A DLP solution that can centrally monitor, control, and block USB ports (and other peripherals). 
4. ManageEngine Device Control Plus An endpoint security solution with a focus on DLP. It lets you monitor, control, and block USBs.
5. USB-Lock-RP. An enterprise-grade device control software, capable of monitoring, controlling, and locking down USB ports.
6. DriveLock Device Control. A cloud-based endpoint protection platform, with a focus on zero-trust security, and fantastic USB lockdown capabilities.
7. Symantec Endpoint Protection. More than a simple USB lockdown tool, Symantec Endpoint Protection emphasizes data protection. 
8. Acronis DeviceLock DLP. An endpoint DLP solution that offers device control and endpoint management.
9. McAfee DLP Endpoint (now Trellix DLP). An all-in-one DLP solution that integrates Endpoint Protection capabilities, including USB blocking (and much more).
10. Trend Micro IDLP. A solution that lets you implement device protection controls and policies, to prevent data loss from USB devices, and other media. 
11. Ivanti Device Control. A solution for enforcing data encryption and security policies on USBs or other removable media.

What to consider when looking for a USB lockdown software tool?

A USB lockdown software tool is usually a component or utility from a Device Control or Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution. These USB lockdown tools are rarely dedicated software specially designed for locking down USBs. 

Most enterprise endpoint protection or antivirus solutions with centralized management usually come with device control capabilities or DLP, which let you block USB devices. These solutions will also allow you to create device allowlists/blocklists, OTPs (One-Time-Passwords), enforce encryption, transfer limits, etc. These tools can even extend to the point that they allow you to block USB drives by vendor, type, product ID, etc. These solutions install on the endpoint (as agents) and are password-protected so that the end-user cannot tweak any settings. 

Recommended features when looking for a USB lookdown tool: 

• Support and identify different USB peripherals. 
• Centralized control to enforce policies and monitor USBs. 
• Automated response to policy violations. 
• Set policies for USB transfer limits.
• Configure allowlists to allow or block certain USBs.
• Active Directory integration.
• Enforce USB encryption. 

Keep in mind that disabling USB storage does not disable USB functionality entirely. USB storage lockdown software prevents the computer from recognizing storage (usbstor values), but the USB port is still alive. This means end-users would still be able to charge their phones or USB-powered devices and use phone apps like tethering to connect to the network. This is why complete endpoint protection with DLP capabilities and Antivirus becomes handy. 

The Best USB Lockdown Software Tools

1. ThreatLocker Storage Control – GET DEMO

ThreatLocker Storage Control is a USB device management package that is available as part of a package of system security tools. The USB manager blocks all storage devices from attaching to a computer on the network by default. Each device is identifiable by a serial number and the system administrator can choose to allow a specific device to connect.

Highlights:

• Enforce security policies
• Integrates with system-wide security
• Central control
• Allow access only to specific users

The ThreatLocker system is a combination of disabling the ability of equipment and software and an extended access rights management service that selectively reactivates those assets. While typical ARMs apply permission levels for resources when accessed by a named user account, the threatLocker system splits that resource part in two – so you have combinations of software and resources (files, devices, printers, etc) to which users are granted access.

How to start with ThreatLocker Storage Control The way to understand the ThreatLocker system is to access the free demo to assess the entire platform, including the Storage Control module.

2. CrowdStrike Falcon Device Control

CrowdStrike is a leading cloud-native cybersecurity platform built to provide complete protection. The software allows users to use one platform with a single agent to deliver endpoint security, cloud security, threat intelligence, identity protection, and security & IT operations. CrowdStrike’s Falcon Device Control is one of the best USB lockdown software tools that give you the proper visibility and granular control for safe USB usage. 

Highlights: 

• Get insights and granular control.
• Set policies and monitor USB usage. 
• Pre-built dashboards. 
• Searchable history and logs of USB utilization. 

Falcon Device Control uses an agent that can be installed in Windows and macOS systems. Once installed, the software can automatically discover agents within the same network. This agent collects data from the monitored USB device and reports back to the server. Users can also push commands to the agent from the server to limit USB usage. 

How to start with Falcon Device Control? Contact CrowdStrike customer service for more information. You can also begin with CrowdStrike software by trying Falcon Prevent (a powerful AV) for a 15-day free trial. 

3. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is a cross-platform Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solution. It prevents data leaks and theft and provides granular control for USBs and other portable storage devices. The software can be deployed via virtual appliance, over the popular cloud services, or SaaS. 

Highlights: 

• Define granular policies for users, computers, or groups. 
• Identify unique USBs, monitor them, and stop them.
• Force USB data encryption.
• Grant or revoke USB access remotely. 
• Create device’s allow lists and blocklists.

Endpoint Protector’s Device Control is one of our favorite USB lockdown software tools. It can centrally block, control, and monitor USB (and other peripheral) ports to avoid data loss, theft, or potential USB-borne Malware. The software monitors (remotely) USB ports using a lightweight agent installed on Windows, macOS, or Linux. The agents enforce the policies on the client and are password-protected.

How to start with the CoSoSys endpoint protector? Request a demo.

4. ManageEngine Device Control Plus

The ManageEngine Device Control Plus is an endpoint security solution with a strong focus on Data Loss Prevention. The software lets you monitor in real-time and remotely control (block or allow) removable devices such as USB devices, drives, and other peripherals. 

Highlights: 

• Granular reports and audits.
• Identify devices with excessive privileges. 
• Receive instant alerts if unauthorized access.
• Zero-trust approach to control devices. 

The ManageEngine Device Control Plus comes with a web-based administrative UI console that helps you block and monitor all USB devices easily from a single place. The software provides granular control by allowing you to assign access and data transferring policies and respectively push them to clients. You can also get device and information activity reports from clients. 

How to start with ManageEngine Device Control? Register to get a fully-functional free 30-days trial.

5. USB-Lock-RP

USB-Lock-RP by Advanced International Systems is an enterprise-grade device control software capable of controlling and locking down USB ports. The USB-Lock-RP software provides a centralized platform for managing and monitoring USB devices, including other removable storage, mobile devices, wireless adapters, and groups of computers. 

Highlights:

• Allow listing: Allow specific USB devices and block the rest.
• Lock down USB ports as soon as the software detects unauthorized USB.
• Enforce encryption when transferring data from PC to authorized USBs. 
• Enforce group policy settings in real-time.
• Set Read-Only mode policy to specific USB devices. 

USB-Lock-RP’s centralized management console runs on-premises on Windows machines. The sys admin can configure access policies to control devices and enforce new rules on individual computers or entire groups of computers. In addition, the software also shows alerts and logs, including USB file transfer monitoring. 

How to start with USB-Lock-RP? Download the USB-Lock-RP free demo and manage device access for up to five clients. The license price is $20.00 USD per client (for 10-100 clients) and $15.00 USD per client (for 110-500 clients). 

6. DriveLock Device Control

DriveLock is a fully-integrated cloud-based endpoint protection platform designed to safeguard a company’s data, devices, and systems. The software uses a zero-trust approach (never trust, always verify) and its team of security experts to achieve a high degree of security. DriveLock’s solutions are certified with the Common Criteria EAL3+ certificate, a global security standard.

Highlights:

• Monitor USB device’s data transfers. 
• Automatically encrypt USB drives and other external media.
• Access forensics analysis and extensive reports.
• Use Machine Learning to configure integrated devices. 

DriveLock’s Device Control is a fantastic USB lockdown software tool. It allows organizations to protect themselves from unauthorized or unencrypted USB devices and data transfers. With DriveLock, you can also create allowlists to permit specific devices and deny others. You can deploy DriveLock on-premise or via their cloud solution.

How to start with DriveLock Device Control? Register to download a 30-days free trial. 

7. Symantec Endpoint Protection

Symantec Endpoint Protection by Broadcom is an excellent choice if you are looking for more capabilities than simply locking down USBs. This solution might seem feature overkill for people only looking to lock down USB ports. The software also includes capabilities for intrusion prevention, firewall, anti-malware, and the foundational features of DLP software. It deploys in on-premise, cloud, or hybrid environments.

Highlights: 

• Block data transfers from/to unauthorized USB flash drives. 
• A single agent for Endpoint Protection and other Symantec products.
• A single console to deploy, manage, and monitor endpoints. 
• It integrates with Symantec EDR, breach prevention, and app control.

Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) emphasizes data. It protects data wherever it lives; at endpoints, desktops, cloud workloads, mobiles, servers, apps, containers, and storage devices. SEP includes an application and device control policy that lets you block all USB drives, from pen drives to hard drives on the clients. The software can also identify hardware IDs to help create allowlists and permit or stop specific USB drives or peripherals. 

How to start with Symantec Endpoint Protection? Contact sales to request a demo or trial.

8. Acronis DeviceLock DLP

Acronis DeviceLock DLP is an endpoint data loss prevention (DLP) solution designed to lower the risk of insider data leaks, threats, or data theft. Acronis Device DLP offers device control and endpoint management under the Data Loss Prevention umbrella solution.

Highlights:

• Event logging, data shadowing, reporting, and alerting. 
• Fine-grained contextual control based on multiple factors. 
• Allow listing: Allow specific USB devices or provide temporary access. 
• Extract and inspect textual data with Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

Acronis DeviceLock uses a simple and lightweight agent deployed on the client. It also offers Active Directory integration and a centralized management console from which you can set and enforce policies. Device Lock is one of the best USB lockdown software because of its flexibility. It can work via local data channels (USB, FireWire, SMBs, etc.) that can be allowed, blocked, alerted, or logged. 

How to start with Acronis DeviceLock DLP? Register to download a 30-days free trial.

9. McAfee DLP Endpoint (Now Trellix DLP)

McAfee Data Loss Prevention, now Trellix DLP, is an all-in-one DLP solution including McAfee DLP Discover, McAfee DLP Prevent, McAfee DLP Monitor, McAfee DLP Endpoint, McAfee Device Control, and MVISION Cloud Integration. The McAfee DLP Endpoint can provide USB lockdown capabilities and so much more. It covers all data leaking channels, including USBs, removable media, email, IM, web, cloud, printing, screen captures, clipboard, file-sharing applications, etc. 

Highlights:

• Create reports using more than 20 customizable reports. 
• Ensure compliance with automated audits and reports. 
• Manage and deploy policies from a central platform. 
• Block all USB devices and set exclusions. 
• Only allow access to USB encrypted devices. 

The solution works on-premise but can also be extended to the cloud with its integration to MVISION Cloud. This approach ensures that sys admins can also extend the on-premise DLP policies to the cloud. The native integration to MVISION ePO helps simplify policy and incident management. 

How to start with McAfee DLP? Request a Free Demo.

10. Trend Micro IDLP

Trend Micro Integrated Data Loss Prevention (IDLP) (for Business) is a solution that combines with other Trend Micro solutions (such as Apex One Endpoint Security) and management consoles. IDLP lets you implement device protection controls and policies and improve visibility. With IDLP, you can prevent data loss from USB devices or other media such as email, SaaS apps, web, or cloud storage. 

Highlights:

• Automate response to policy violations. 
• Granular device control and DLP policies. 
• Out-of-the-box compliance templates. 
• Forensic data captures and real-time reports.

Trend Micro IDLP uses a lightweight agent installed on clients, which gives you visibility and control over your USB ports. You can restrict specific USB devices while allowing others. When the software detects a violation, you can configure it to automatically respond with actions like logging, blocking, encrypting, alerting, bypassing, modifying, quarantining, or deleting data. 

How to start with Trend Micro IDLP? Register to start an Apex One Endpoint Security free SaaS trial that integrates with IDLP.

11. Ivanti Device Control 

Ivanti Device Control is a solution that allows you to enforce data encryption and security policies on USBs and other removable media. Ivanti Device Control is one of the best USB lockdown software because it will enable you to quickly lock down and re-take control of devices (such as USBs) highly associated with data loss and malware infection. 

Highlights: 

• Protect endpoints from rogue USB drives.
• Centrally manage devices with an allowlist (default-deny) approach.
• Grant users temporary or scheduled access to USBs. 
• Apply policies to all USBs by class, group, model, or specific ID. 

Ivanti discovers every endpoint where a client has been deployed. These discovered devices can be managed and controlled from a single console. The system uses a zero-trust approach, so you’ll be able to set allowlists, where you define which devices are allowed (while the rest are blocked). You can then enforce the security policies for the specific USB devices (determined by type or ID). 

How to start with Ivanti Device Control? Request a free demo. 

USB Lockdown Software: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can you lockdown USBs without DLP or device control software? If you are using Windows, you can disable USBs within an Active Directory domain simply by using Group Policy Objects (GPO). Within an AD, you can use Group Policies to enforce USB restrictions. The simplest way to lock down USB ports in a domain is to configure a GPO to disable ubstor.sys.
2. How to manually lock down USB ports? Another simple (but more extreme) suggested solution is to disable USB ports via BIOS. Some computers allow changing these values for removable media (USB storage) but not for main peripherals like mouse and keyboard. Always ensure that USB-based peripherals like mouse, printer, or keyboard are not affected.
3. How to lockdown USBs if the computer is outside a domain? If the computer (or set of computers) is outside a domain and you are unable to apply Group Policies, then you could change local registry settings (usbstor values) manually, change BIOS or use hardware-based solutions, such as USB port blockers (find them on Amazon).
4. Alternatives to USB lockdown software tools? The first and most simple way would be to train employees not to use USB ports and instead stick to the storage/transferring mechanisms given by the company or charge their phones using wall sockets. You can also use hardware-based USB port blockers.
5. Can a USB lockdown software protect you from Malware coming from USB baiting? No, not every USB lockdown solution can save you from avoiding complex USB infected devices such as those found in the parking lots. Some of these USB scams install drivers (just like a mouse or keyboard) would and are not necessarily storage-based. To protect from such threats, the software can be strengthened with antivirus or endpoint protection.