Return to Article: New hacker techniques threaten agencies
-
22636
Dear Janet,
Disabling any port is relatively easy if you have access and knowledge. That is the beauty, strength, and weakness of programmable equipment. To get a quick idea, just search in your favorite Web search engine for "disable USB port" and you'll see a ton of information.
With recent proliferation of news items and exposés showing thumb drives with security access lists being auctioned in Iraqi bazaars, DISA has been cracking down on what we can and can't use to transfer and store data.
As for an iPod USB, I've never heard of a specific USB dedicated to an iPod, but then I've never been an Apple user. Perhaps there is such a thing in their configuration. I'm not even really sure of the status of an iPod in the work place. I don't think we're allowed them.
There was a recent spat of training our organization went through that addressed computer user security and USB chip memory specifically. It discussed the new watch, pen, etc. storage devices and how they could be used to down load information and secret it off post. It may be coming to an auditorium near you soon.
Tip off
-
22613
Disable all USB ports?! OhKaaaay ....
The one thing I don't get is how do you tell a work-related USB port from, say, an iPod USB port. Really, I want to know!
Making the hard drives read-only, and going back to a paper-based and phone-based system of communications would be easier than eliminating non-work-related USB ports, I think.
PROMO RIGHT: EVENTS
UPCOMING WEBINARS
NOVEMBER 18
Speed bumps for Teleworking: What are they and how to avoid them?
DECEMBER 3
Achieve Program Success: Unlock the Management Information in Your Data
DECEMBER 10
Practical Transparency: Applying Exchange Networks for Mission Results
PROMO RIGHT: DIRECTORIES
Post a Comment
To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.