Disabling USB ports is the best way to prevent network users from using USB-connected devices (such as USB controllers or flash drives) and accessing important, confidential data.Â
If there are many people using your computer (such as in a shared work environment), people can easily connect their USB drives to the system. This USB drive may contain infected files or malware that can infect your computer. Not only that, but someone can steal unauthorized data from the USB drive. Blocking a USB port on a single computer is easy at the BIOS or firmware level, but the situation can be more complicated when administrators need to block USB ports on hundreds or thousands of computers.
In this step-by-step article, we will look at some simple ways to block or remove a USB port. Use the following to disable USB ports on Windows 7, Windows 10 and other Windows 11 systems:. We also show you how to block USB network ports on your computer.
What is a USB Port Blocker?
Universal Serial Bus (USB) hooks disable ports to which removable devices are connected. USB’s portability and large capacity make it a theft-proof storage medium. To solve this problem, USB blocking is built into data loss prevention (DLP) solutions that eliminate all types of serious data leaks.
Why do You Need to Block USB Ports?
USB drives have been the target of numerous security breaches, including the Stuxnet attack. Portable storage also poses a threat to unsuspecting insiders. The main reason for blocking USB ports in a company is:
- Block unauthorized information from employees and business partners who access sensitive information within your company.
- Protect USB devices with serious firmware bugs from malware, also known as a bad USB attack.
- This eliminates the risk of data loss due to a faulty USB drive, even if the USB drive is licensed for public use.
- Ensure that employees’ unsecured personal USB devices are not used for work.
Methods to Lock or Unlock a USB Port Drive
There are many ways to block USB ports. The most common methods are:
disabling the USB port in the basic input/output system (BIOS) or motherboard default settings. This process is not possible for some purposes.
- Editing the Windows Registry on the Windows side may block access to a USB device, even if the device is detected. The downside is that changes to the registry are permanent, and a small mistake can affect the final performance.
- Â Use USB blocking software to block or unblock ports as needed. This method provides more control over which devices and when ports can be blocked.
USB locking is a simple data loss prevention technique employed to prevent malicious removable storage devices from stealing data through USB ports. Blocking USB devices helps keep your data safe by preventing it from being copied to unauthorized devices.
What is the Purpose of a USB Blocker? Best Automatic Solution
The reason why USB port lock software is essential is because connections to all external devices take place through USB ports. Identifying the intent of such devices is hard since malware exists on the firmware of the device. What’s more, there are no software patches that can secure USB ports. This by itself calls for USB block software, or simply SysTools Expert Solution USB Port Block Software.
This software performs the very essential function of blocking USB ports. This block restricts unwanted users from accessing USB devices on your system. Some of these USB devices are flash drive, pen drives, etc. This also ensures that no extraction of data takes place in the absence of a user. This utility has been designed with high-tech algorithms. But still, it has a very easy graphical user interface for both technical and non-technical people. Users can easily run this application without any technical knowledge.
Note: If you need to Fix Format Disk Error Without Formatting Using CMD in Windows,.
Locking and Unlocking a USB Port: Just a Few Easy Steps
- Download and launch the USB Lock or Unlock tool on your computer, then register with a valid email account.
- Now, enter the master password and confirm the master password.
- Select the Block tab to block the USB.
- To block the USB, enter the admin password and master password.
Conclusion
After reading this blog, what is the purpose of a USB blocker? Here, you also learn the reasons why it is important to protect USB ports. Besides that, you can also use the most recommended software to lock or unlock any type of USB port.
Read More: How to Show Hidden Files on a Flash Drive on Windows 11, 10?