Table of Contents
In this comprehensive tutorial, we will dig deep on the leading device control and endpoint security tools to help you secure your business data.
You will discover:
- Key threats driving adoption of device control software
- Benefits of USB lockdown and port control tools
- How the top 10 solutions compare on critical capabilities
- Expert recommendations tailored to your needs
Let‘s get started!
Why Businesses Need Device Control Software
Device control software restricts the use of external storage devices to prevent data theft and malware infections. As digital workplaces become more complex, these tools have become a cybersecurity cornerstone.
According to recent Verizon DBIR findings, 82% of breaches involve the human element. [1] Insider threats, account hijacking and accidental data leaks represent prime risks. Equally concerning, 51% of departing employees steal company data per Tessian research. [2]
Port control tools mitigate these risks by locking down peripheral access to only authorized users and permitted devices. For example, policies may:
- Restrict USB devices to read-only access
- Block unapproved personally-owned drives
- Limit which file types can transfer externally
These safeguards are essential as 47% of companies report experiencing a USB-based security incident in the past year according to Apricorn. [3]
Beyond data exfiltration concerns, device control also prevents external media from introducing malware. Proofpoint discovered USB devices account for more than 66% of ransomware attacks. [4]
Table 1 summarizes key statistical motivations for deploying dedicated device management solutions:
Table 1. Key Endpoint Security Statistics & Threat Findings
| Endpoint Security Threat Statistics | Source |
|---|---|
| 82% of breaches involve the human element | 2022 Verizon DBIR |
| 51% of departing staff steal data | Tessian Research |
| 47% faced USB security incidents | Apricorn Survey |
| 66% of ransomware via USB devices | Proofpoint Research |
Next let‘s explore the key benefits USB lockdown tools provide.
Benefits of USB Lockdown Software
USB lockdown tools offer superior protection by providing complete visibility and control over endpoint ports, devices, and data transfers.
Table 2 compares native capabilities versus using dedicated device control software:
| Native OS Controls | Device Control Software | |
|---|---|---|
| Device Visibility | Limited peripheral visibility | Central dashboard tracking all connected devices |
| Policy Enforcement | Inconsistent rules across machines | Group-based policies centrally managed |
| Data Tracking | Minimal forensics after data loss | Detailed activity audit trails before and after transfers |
| Ease of Use | Complex management | Intuitive role-based access |
The upfront time investment in deployment pays long-term dividends by virtually eliminating insider threat incidents.
Specific business benefits offered by commercial grade solutions include:
- Prevent Data Exfiltration – Restrict unauthorized data from leaving your network via unsecured endpoints
- Maintain Regulatory Compliance – Meet stringent industry governance needs like HIPAA controls
- Safeguard Intellectual Property – Protect sensitive designs, client data and trade secrets
- Empower Hybrid Work – Support BYOD and remote users securely accessing resources
- Simplify Administration – Centrally manage policies across users and groups
With a clear picture of key threats and tool advantages, let‘s examine the top device control software options.
Leading Device Control Software Comparison
Table 3 provides an at-a-glance comparison across key evaluation criteria:
| Endpoint Protector | Symantec DLP | McAfee DLP | ManageEngine | DeviceLock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment Options | On-prem, Cloud, Hybrid | On-prem, SaaS | On-prem, Cloud | On-prem | On-prem |
| Platforms Supported | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, Mac | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows | Windows, Linux, Mac |
| Peripheral Support | USB, SD, CD/DVD | USB, Removable Media, Mobile | USB, SD, CD/DVD, Mobile, Bluetooth | USB, Firewire, Thunderbolt, Bluetooth | USB, SD Cards, Optical Drives |
| Default-Deny Model | Both Allow & Deny Modes | Deny by Default | Both Modes | Yes | Yes |
| Detailed Forensics | Robust Activity Reports | Strong Event Analysis | Solid Reporting | Good Reports | Extensive Auditing Trails |
| Offline Device Access | Password + Device Based Policies | Identity + Encryption Policies | Generic Read-Only Mode | Limited Access | Configurable Options |
| Customer Support Rating | Excellent | Good | Strong | Outstanding | Good |
These leading enterprise tools feature advanced capabilities tailored to complex business needs. But choosing the right solution still depends greatly on your organization‘s size, devices used by employees, regulatory mandates, and technology stack.
Let‘s dive deeper on two of the most enterprise-scalable options placing in the top spots.
Endpoint Protector
Endpoint Protector stands at the forefront of device control security thanks to its robust feature set and intuitive navigation. It truly provides comprehensive peripheral guardrails out-of-the-box.
Some core strengths that enable it to excel in enterprise deployments include:
- All major platforms: Windows, macOS & Linux
- Unified policies across networks, groups and users
- Over 50 different device classes supported like iOS, portable srorage, USB modems
- Temporary one-time device access passwords
- Non-disruptive monitoring via shadow copy of transfers
- Optimized performance without device speed lag
USB device control is further supplemented by integrated encryption, content filtering and malware prevention modules for wrapping robust protection around sensitive data.
Endpoint Protector punches far above its size in delivering a premium user experience, with 91% of G2 verified reviewers rating it 4 or 5 stars. [5] As an enterprise-focused solution, it offers excellent value and scales smoothly from SMBs upwards through large multinationals.
Ongoing innovation ensures continued expansion of its advanced feature set over time as new threats and compliance needs emerge.
Symantec Data Loss Prevention (by Broadcom)
Now officially rebranded to Broadcom DLP under new ownership, Symantec DLP nonetheless retains its position as the dominant enterprise market leader. It cements its status through strong data and device classifications, advanced machine learning, and an ecosystem of integrated modules connecting rebuilt breach gaps.
For securing endpoints specifically, Symantec DLP provides:
- Powerful heuristics to fingerprint untold devices
- Encryption rules triggered by content types
- Selective blocking of print screens & file transfers
- Granular USB permissions down to specific users
It shines brightest in enormous federated deployments of over 100,000 endpoints where seamless global policy coordination independent of access locations becomes paramount.
Customers laud its best-in-class forensics capabilities empowering compliance and investigations teams with evidence required for incident reporting or regulatory audits. Out-of-the-box templates streamline adherence to standards like PII and PCI.
However, Symantec DLP does require a heavier lift for initial setup. Some smaller teams may find the level of customization and tuning excessive, making the UI feel overwhelming compared to other tools. But for larger organizations, you reap long-term advantages supporting security at tremendous scale.
Closing Recommendations
Preventing damage from lost and stolen data is essential to every organization regardless of size or industry. The human risk factor makes securing endpoints a constant challenge fraught with compliance pressures.
The good news is robust device control software puts safeguards in place for seamlessly reducing these insider and outsider threats every day. Table 4 summarizes parting recommendations based on common scenario needs:
Table 4. Expert Recommendations by Use Case
| For organizations… | Try… | Because… |
|---|---|---|
| Requiring robust enterprise-scale controls | Symantec DLP | Industry leader backing largest deployments |
| Seeking comprehensive premium protections | Endpoint Protector | All-around high quality + usability |
| Facing tight budget constraints | DeviceLock | Packed functionality at affordable pricing |
| Supporting smaller hybrid teams | ManageEngine | Easy cloud-based deployment |
| Demanding strict medical data governance | DeviceLock | Specialized healthcare templates |
Whichever solution you select, enhancing visibility and control over endpoints remains imperative to securing your most valuable asset – business data. Endpoint device management delivers the foundation for your overall data loss prevention strategy.
Congratulations on taking the first step towards better securing your organization and employees! Please don‘t hesitate to contact me if any additional questions come up around implementation best practices or how these tools align to your specific environment.