Windows Vista locks out USB
Microsoft Vista adds another level of security targeted at limiting USB connectivity. The new feature will drive end-users mad and seems more like a tool to keep the honest people honest – after all, if a hacker wants to hack, they’ll hack. The Vista utility gives an IT department complete control over what and who plugs into their computers via USB. Not a bad idea as identity theft is on the rise and a 4GB flash drive could grab tens of thousands of customer’s personal information. Since data theft and virus/trojan infected flash media is a huge concern for corporate customers, Microsoft is expected to make a big splash with this feature.
And in true Microsoft fashion their utility, pre-loaded on the OS, will surely hurt some 3rd party utilities already available (sorry M-Systems) but having the USB limit feature existing in the Windows Group Policy system makes it easy to manage on a network wide level. Here is how the system can limit the USB connection:
- Only install pre approved devices
- Prevent users from installing all together
- Control the read and write functions on the system
Matt LeBoff
Kicking around in technology since 2002. I like to write about technology products and ideas, but at the consumer level understanding. Some tech, but not too techie.