Rethink of removable media recommended

McAfee has challenged companies to rethink their approach to removable media devices. By providing a framework for companies to approach removable media strategies, McAfee aims to provide its customers with “freedom through security”. McAfee’s formula includes providing device control, endpoint encryption and encrypted USB devices to help companies achieve this freedom.

“Enterprises are looking for ways to solve the evolving and critical problem of data loss via removable media storage devices,” said Brian Burke, Program Director, Security Product Services at IDC. “Employee-sourced storage devices, employer-provided USB sticks, and the management and enforcement of corporate device policy all need to be addressed in a cost-effective manner that doesn't sacrifice security. A complete removable media solution requires behaviour and content-aware controls, fully secure managed devices for users with integrated anti-malware, and portable software encryption.”

Companies, employees and their data are more mobile than ever before, and the number of removable media devices is skyrocketing. These changes have created new risks and new management challenges for businesses of all sizes, which must determine policies and maintain control of how users work with devices such as USB memory sticks.

“McAfee’s latest Security Paradox Report has found that 67% of Australian businesses think that there is some chance of a serious data breach putting them out of business, with intellectual property and private information topping the list as the types of data lost,” said Michael Sentonas, Director of SE and Services for APAC, McAfee. “Companies need to realise protecting corporate data includes a combination of device control, encrypted USB devices and software encryption. McAfee combines encryption with centralised management, allowing businesses and their employees to do their job in a productive and secure manner.”

McAfee is providing businesses with a way to manage removable media through a combination of device control, encrypted USB devices and software encryption, all integrated though ePolicy Orchestrator.

McAfee Device Control protects data from leaving a company’s control and falling into the wrong hands through removable media, such as USB drives, MP3 players, CDs and DVDs. It provides companies with the tools they need to monitor and control how users copy data onto these devices - regardless of whether they are in the office, at home or on the move.

With McAfee-encrypted USB devices, the information copied and transported on these devices is encrypted and can only be read by authorised individuals. The combination of McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator and a range of encrypted USB devices provides centralised management and deployment from a single console, improving corporate security while reducing total cost of ownership.