Top 10 USB Blocking Software in 2024: Based on 3.9K+ Reviews

Peripheral devices are widely used since they make it easy to transfer data between devices. A significant risk of a data breach can arise from such data transfers, particularly when transferring sensitive data. Control over these devices, including USBs, is a core aspect of today’s effective cybersecurity practices.

Automated software solutions for data loss prevention (DLP) employ device control software with USBs and other peripheral devices as their primary targets to secure data and stop data leaks. This article provides a detailed look at USB blocking software.

Top USB blocking software comparison

Table 1. Number of reviews, average rating, and price

* Based on the total number of reviews and average ratings (on a 5-point scale) from Gartner, G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius software review platforms as of March 8, 2024.

**The price entails 100 computers and 1 user per year for ManageEngine Device Control Plus as of April 25, 2024.

Table 2. Features

*** Available if the solution is supported by 3rd party integrations.

Notes

• The table was created from publicly available and verifiable data.
• The vendors are ranked based on the total number of reviews, with the sponsor ranked at the top.
• Transparency statement: Vendors with links to their websites are sponsors of AIMultiple.

To present an objective assessment of vendors, we took into account verifiable information from the public, like the number of reviews and user ratings on software review portals. 

Vendor selection criteria

• Number of reviews: We included vendors with more than 100 total user reviews.
• Average rating: Above 4/5 rating on average across all software review platforms.
• Common features (minimum requirements): We selected the vendors that deliver  access control, logging and monitoring, policy implementation, including alerting and notification, DLP, and remote management functions. For more: USB blocking software key features

Differentiating features of USB blocking software

• Encryption for USBs: Data on USBs is encrypted with encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or via 3rd party encryption software such as BitLocker or FileVault.
• Content inspection: The process of analyzing data for the identification of sensitive or confidential information in order to categorize data with according sensitivity level. For example, dislocation of acknowledged and identified sensitive data is prevented by the system.¹
• Reporting: Reporting helps administrators monitor compliance with policies by generating reports that highlight any violations or exceptions. 

Top 10 USB blocking software analyzed

This section provides a user-reviewed product analysis with a focus on USB blocking software solutions from sites such as G2, Gartner, Capterra, and TrustRadius. Pros and cons from user reviews are only chosen if several users bring up the same issue.

1. Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys

Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys is headquartered in North Carolina, United States. The company produces all-in-one DLP solutions with multi operating system compatibility. Endpoint Protector by CoSosys is now a part of Netwrix. Netwrix was founded in 2006 and delivers products that cover National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) functionalities, which encompass cybersecurity aspects such as identify, protect, detect, respond, and recover.

Pros

• USB whitelisting/blacklisting: Some users like the ability to categorize USB devices.²

Cons

• Log reports: Some users claim that log reports need to be more detailed.³

Source: G2.⁴

2. Microsoft Intune

Microsoft produces established software and hardware products such as Windows, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Defender, Xbox, and more. Microsoft users can use the add-on software tools available on the Microsoft Store.

Pros

• Compliance, device management, & data protection: The user is satisfied with the product’s compliance management, device management, and overall data protection functionalities.⁵

Cons

• Reporting: According to multiple reviewers, Microsoft Intune is not sufficient for reporting, and reviewers opt for Microsoft Configuration Manager.⁶

Source: TrustRadius.⁷

3. Symantec Endpoint DLP

Broadcom, Inc. is the owner of the cybersecurity product suite Symantec, which offers a variety of hardware and software options. Under the name Symantec, cybersecurity products for endpoint security and server security are to be found. For more on Symantec DLP and its alternatives

Pros

• USB monitoring: The reviewer likes the product’s USB monitoring capabilities. ⁸

Cons

• Configuration management: Multiple reviewers claim the configuration is cumbersome for databases, so 3rd party tools had to be downloaded.⁹

Source: G2.¹⁰

4. Forcepoint ONE

Forcepoint is headquartered in Texas, United States. The company offers security software directed at data protection, cloud access security brokers, firewalls, and cross-domain solutions.¹¹ For more on Forcepoint DLP and its alternatives

Pros

• Compliance management & data visualization: The reviewer praises the product’s abilities, such as compliance management and data visualization.¹²

Cons

• Deployment: The deployment process claimed to be cumbersome for the reviewer.¹³

Source: G2.¹⁴

5. Trellix DLP Endpoint Complete

Trellix delivers its customers extended endpoint detection and security (XDR) as well as data, network, and email security. For more on Trellix DLP and its alternatives

Pros

• Policy management: Users are comfortable with applying policies.¹⁵

Cons

• Ease of use: Multiple reviewers find it hard to get used to.¹⁶

Source: Gartner.¹⁷

6. SafeticaONE Protection DLP

Safetica offers its customers software products encompassing DLP, device control, and workspace audit solutions.

Pros

• USB connection security: Reviewers are happy with the product’s capabilities of maintaining secure USB connections.¹⁸

Cons

• Operating system support: The product is claimed to not support Linux operating systems.¹⁹

Source: G2.²⁰

7. ManageEngine Device Control Plus

ManageEngine has IT operation solutions such as endpoint management, endpoint security, network monitoring, asset management, and cloud native application solutions in its portfolio of offered products. 

Pros

• File access control & ease of use: The product is found to be easy to deploy and useful for access permissions to files.²¹

Cons

• User interface: UI is claimed to be not user friendly and needs further improvements.²²

Source: TrustRadius.²³

8. ThreatLocker Storage Control

ThreatLocker produces endpoint security solutions, including audit and storage control.

Pros

• USB whitelisting/blacklisting: Reviewers are happy with the product’s USB access control availability, such as blocking USBs.²⁴

Cons

• Ease of use: Multiple reviewers find keeping track of the application hard.²⁵

Source: Capterra.²⁶

9. Fortra Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP

Digital Guardian is a DLP software platform owned by automation and security software company Fortra. For more on Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP and its alternatives

Pros

• Scalability & reporting: The reviewer praises the product’s scalability and reporting capabilities.²⁷

Cons

• Ease of use: Multiple reviewers describe the use as challenging.²⁸

Source: G2.²⁹

10. GTB Endpoint Enterprise DLP

GTB offers its clients DLP, endpoint security, endpoint detection and response, and data protection for selected applications in the software market. 

Pros

• DLP: Most of the reviewers are satisfied with the product’s DLP functionalities, such as content inspection and monitoring.³⁰

Cons

• Ease of use: According to multiple reviewers, the product is not easy to use at first because of the steep learning curve it creates.³¹

USB drop attacks

Malicious software is intended to be distributed through a planned cybercrime called USB drop attacks. Virus-laden USB drives are placed close to the computer area, where people inadvertently connect them to PCs. According to Statista, data summoned in 2021 shows that ca. 30%  of companies experienced 11 to 50 malicious USB drop attacks.³²

Security firm Mandiant discovered in 2023 that a China based group named UNC53 carried out USB drop attacks and targeted 180 organizations in crowd trafficked locations, such as airport cafes and printing service shops around the world.³³

What is USB blocking software?

USB blocking software, also known as USB port control software or USB device management software, is a type of application used to monitor and manage the use of USB devices connected to a computer or network. This software allows administrators to control and restrict the usage of USB ports and devices for security and compliance reasons.

For USB blocking tools with limitations on features and the number of users/devices Top 7 Free USB Blocking Software

USB blocking software key features

The following are the key features of USB blocking software that businesses should look for in a product.

1. Access control: The software enables administrators to set permissions for specific users or user groups regarding the use of USB devices. This could include allowing read-only access, read-and-write access, or completely blocking access to USB ports.

2. Logging and monitoring: USB blocking software typically logs all USB device activities, including device insertion and removal, file transfer events, and attempts to use unauthorized devices. This helps administrators track USB usage and identify potential security breaches.

3. Policy implementation: Administrators can create and implement policies governing USB usage across the organization. These policies may include restrictions on certain types of USB devices, time-based access controls, or compliance requirements.

4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Some USB blocking software includes DLP features to prevent sensitive data from being copied to unauthorized USB devices. This may involve content inspection, encryption, or blocking specific file types from being transferred via USB.

5. Remote management: The ability to manage USB device policies and monitor activities remotely across multiple computers or endpoints is a common feature of USB blocking software.

Why do you need USB blocking software?

USB blocking software is often used for security purposes in organizations or environments where controlling access to USB ports is necessary. Here are some reasons why USB blocking software may be needed:

1. Preventing data theft: USB ports can be used to transfer sensitive data outside of the organization’s network. By blocking USB ports, organizations can prevent unauthorized users from stealing or copying confidential information.

2. Compliance requirements: USB blocking software can help organizations maintain compliance with regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

3. Monitoring and auditing: Monitoring and auditing functionalities allow administrators to track USB usage and identify potential security risks or policy violations.

Further reading

• Top 9 Hexnode Alternatives Based on 10,800+ Review
• In-Depth Forcepoint DLP Review
• Top 10 Device Control Software: Review-based Analysis
• Top 10 RMM Software: Analysis From 7,700+ Reviews

If you need help finding a vendor or have any questions, feel free to contact us:

Find the Right Vendors

External links

• 1. “What Is Content Inspection?”. Digital Guardian. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
• 2. “Excellent Support & Ease of Use with Some Compatibility Hurdles”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 3. “A Fully Functional Cross-Platform DLP”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 4. “Endpoint Protector by CoSoSys Media”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 5. “Device management and policy enforcement solution”. Capterra. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 6. “An easy, fast and effective way to manage your devices”. Capterra. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 7. “SCCM and Intune: Two great tastes together at last in Endpoint Manager”. TrustRadius. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 8. “DLP Review”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 9. “It Is Very Easy To Use & Has Good Administrative Control & Easy To Understand The Console”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 10. “Symantec Data Loss Prevention Media”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 11. “Forcepoint”. Wikipedia. Accessed: 10/March/2024.
• 12. “Quick Detailed Review of Forcepoint ONE.”. TrustRadius. Accessed: 10/March/2024.
• 13. “Provides Real Time Protection To All Of The Endpoints”. Gartner. Accessed: 10/March/2024.
• 14. “Forcepoint ONE Media”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 15. “Mature Data Loss Prevention Solution For Financial Sector”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 16. “Good Product With Easy UI.”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 17. “Top Trellix Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Endpoint Alternatives”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 18. “Enhancing Cybersecurity with Safetica Data Loss Prevention (DLP)”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 19. “Best DLP as of now i ever used”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 20. “Safetica Media”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 21. “Easy to use and seamless to run”. TrustRadius. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 22. “Easy to use and seamless to run”. TrustRadius. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 23. “Overall Satisfaction with ManageEngine Device Control Plus”. TrustRadius. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 24. “Threatlocker Took our Business to the Next Level”. Capterra. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 25. “ThreatLocker – The Bouncer at the Door”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 26. “Reviews of ThreatLocker”. Capterra. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 27. “Digital Guardian USB protection”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 28. “Digital Guardian is a leader in the field of data protection.”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 29. “Fortra’s Digital Guardian Media”. G2. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 30. “SaaS DLP That Works!”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 31. “Great Product And Even Better Support”. Gartner. Accessed: 11/March/2024.
• 32. Volume of malicious USB drop attacks on organizations worldwide in 2021. Statista. Accessed: 10/March/2024.
• 33. What Is Social Engineering? Types Of Attacks To Beware Of. Forbes. Accessed: 10/March/2024.