Data loss prevention software uses USB blocking to prevent data breaches by blocking data exfiltration via USB drives and other removable storage devices. Control over peripheral devices, such as USBs, includes whitelisting and blacklisting, authorizing read-only access, and enforcing predefined policy rules.
If you are looking for a USB blocking software solution that can support enterprise-scale organizations, check out our analysis of USB blocking software products.
Top products compared
Comparative table on limitations & OS compatibility
Product | License | OS Compatibility | Limitations of free edition |
|---|---|---|---|
USBGuard | Open-source | Linux | Unlimited |
USBSecure by Lugrain | Proprietary | Windows | Free license for up to 5 PCs & 10 users |
USB Block by NewSoftwaresNet | Proprietary | Windows | Free trials for up to 25 devices |
Windows USB Blocker by SecurityXploded | Free | Windows | Unlimited |
Pen Drive Locker /Unlocker by installWhat | Free | Windows | Unlimited |
USB Lockit | Proprietary | Android&Windows | n/a |
USB Lock RP by Advanced Systems International | Proprietary | Windows | Fully functional demo limited to 5 clients |
SysTools USB Blocker | Free | Windows | Unlimited |
GiliSoft USB Lock | Proprietary | Windows | n/a |
USB WriteProtector | Free | Windows | n/a |
Notes
- Open-source products are available on GitHub.1
- Proprietary products are available on the provider’s website.
- The software products are arbitrarily sorted.
Comparative table on differentiating features
Differentiating features
For more on USB blocking key features.
- Multi-OS compatibility: Integration with established operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- BadUSB / HID attack detection: Identifies and blocks USB devices that impersonate keyboards or mice (Human Interface Devices) to inject malicious keystrokes. Modern tools analyze enumeration changes on keyboard and mouse connections to automatically block keystroke injection attacks such as Rubber Ducky before payloads execute.2
- Audit logging & file transfer monitoring: Records all USB device connections and file transfer activity including which files were copied, by which user, on which endpoint, and to which device serial number. According to Honeywell’s 2025 Cyber Threat Report, one in four security incidents involved a USB plug-and-play event, making detailed logs essential for timely investigation and forensic readiness.3
- File type filtering: Restricts data transfers based on file extension, file name, or content type. Allows organizations to permit USB access while blocking specific sensitive file categories (e.g., .exe, .zip, source code files) from being transferred to removable media.
- Temporary / OTP-based access: Provides time-limited or one-time password (OTP) controlled USB access for approved exceptions, rather than requiring administrators to permanently modify policy. Enables controlled access for legitimate business needs without weakening the baseline block-by-default posture.
- Compliance reporting (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS): Generates audit reports on device and file activity to support regulatory compliance requirements. Logs which devices were used, by whom, and when providing the evidence trail required by data protection frameworks including GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
- Centralized management: Allows an administrator to manage and apply security policies to multiple devices from a single, centralized console, rather than configuring each device individually.
Products & features
1. USBGuard on GitHub
- USB allowlisting/blocklisting based on policy enforcement, based on daemon computing, meaning the program runs in the background without needing an active controller.
- A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is available.
- A C++-based API is available.
2. USBSecure by Lugrain
Applicable on Bluetooth devices, Thunderbolt drives, FireWire ports, eSATA devices, SD cards, floppy disks, and CD/DVDs, based on configured rules.
Source: Lugrain.4
3. USB Block by NewSoftwaresNet
Applicable on external drives, SDs, MMCs, memory sticks, CDs, DVDs, HDs, network drives, and network computers, based on configured rules.
Source: Newsoftwares.net5
4. Windows USB Blocker by SecurityXploded
Blocking and unblocking USB devices, except those used for wireless keyboards and mouse.
5. Pen Drive Locker/Unlocker by installWhat
- Users can lock and unlock pen drives (USB flash drives).
- If additional software is required to control USB ports.
6. USB Lockit
- Locking and unlocking USB devices on other devices through password authentication on the application interface.
- It encrypts data on the USB drive using AES-256.
Source: USB Lockit6
7. USB Lock RP by Advanced Systems International
- USB allowlisting/blocklisting based on policy enforcement.
- Alerting and notifications are enabled when a USB device is detected.
- Read-only mode for configured USB devices.
- A notification log is available.
- File transfer encryption and monitoring are supported.
- The version (v.13.926) features a new Light-mode/Dark-mode administration interface. The free demo version is fully functional and limited to 5 client machines.7
8. SysTools USB Port Blocker
- Complete USB port disable/enable functionality.
- Administrative password protection.
- System-wide USB blocking.
- Compatible with Windows 10/11.
9. GiliSoft USB Lock
- Password-protected USB port control.
- Supports multiple device types, including mobile devices.
- Read-only and write-protection modes.
- Scheduled access controls.
- Advanced encryption capabilities.
Source: Gilisoft8
10. USB WriteProtector
- Silent mode protection and whitelist functionality for trusted applications.
- Protects valuable files from accidental modification or deletion when USB drives are shared or used on different systems.
USB blocking and data loss prevention (DLP)
Data loss caused by unauthorized access to network devices or physical losses is forcefully prevented by data loss prevention (DLP) software that utilizes backup data, encryption of data and endpoints, user authentication, and device control policy enforcement.
Device control ensures that removable storage devices such as USB drives, SD cards, and other removable media are used in accordance with the access rules defined in security policies.
As of 2026, 51% of industrial malware attacks are engineered specifically for USB devices a nearly six-fold increase from 9% in 2019, according to Honeywell’s USB Threat Report. Insider threats via USB remain a serious concern: in a high-profile 2025 case, a U.S. defense contractor employee admitted to transferring more than 3,600 proprietary files related to missile detection technologies to personal USB storage devices before departing for a competitor.9
For Android-managed devices, Microsoft Intune’s Settings Catalog now includes Android Enterprise USB access controls, providing organizations with built-in, policy-managed USB file transfer restrictions across mobile endpoints without requiring third-party software.10
In March 2026, ThreatLocker expanded its Zero Trust Platform to include Zero Trust network and cloud access, completing a unified coverage model across applications, endpoints, networks, storage, and SaaS. Its Storage Control module which provides USB allowlisting by device serial number, vendor, and file type now operates as one layer within this broader deny-by-default architecture.11
Incidents centered around USB devices
Incidents that take endpoints as subjects are caused by security vulnerabilities resulting from weak encryption, weak authentication, an unsecured connection to the network, and a lack of security programs such as antivirus, firewall, network monitoring, and endpoint security.
BadUSB Attacks: BadUSB attacks gain control of targeted computers by injecting keystrokes, making devices appear as legitimate keyboards while executing malicious commands.
USB Rubber Ducky: USB attacks pose significant risks to high-security environments, with devices like rubber duckies leveraging rapid execution characteristics to compromise systems before detection. In February 2026, ThreatLocker featured Rubber Ducky attack demonstrations as a core hands-on training lab at Zero Trust World 2026, confirming these attacks remain a relevant enterprise security training priority.12
Figure 1. Categories of incidents that involve USB devices
Source: ManageEngine Blog 13
Historical examples of USB attack-led data breaches
1. Stuxnet Worm attack
The Stuxnet worm was designed to target industrial control systems, particularly those used in Iran’s nuclear program. It spread via USB drives, exploiting vulnerabilities in Windows systems to infiltrate and sabotage uranium enrichment centrifuges.14
2. Edward Snowden leaks
In 2013, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden leaked classified documents revealing the extent of global surveillance programs conducted by the United States and its allies. Snowden used a USB drive to download and exfiltrate sensitive information from NSA systems. 15
3. FIN7 BadUSB Campaign
The FIN7 cybercrime group conducted months-long attacks against defense, transportation, and insurance industries using malicious USB devices sent through the mail, highlighting the ongoing evolution of USB-based attack vectors.
Figure 2. List of malware that exploits USBs and exfiltrates sensitive data
Source: MITRE ATT&CK 16
Further reading
Reference Links
Cem's work has been cited by leading global publications including Business Insider, Forbes, Washington Post, global firms like Deloitte, HPE and NGOs like World Economic Forum and supranational organizations like European Commission. You can see more reputable companies and resources that referenced AIMultiple.
Throughout his career, Cem served as a tech consultant, tech buyer and tech entrepreneur. He advised enterprises on their technology decisions at McKinsey & Company and Altman Solon for more than a decade. He also published a McKinsey report on digitalization.
He led technology strategy and procurement of a telco while reporting to the CEO. He has also led commercial growth of deep tech company Hypatos that reached a 7 digit annual recurring revenue and a 9 digit valuation from 0 within 2 years. Cem's work in Hypatos was covered by leading technology publications like TechCrunch and Business Insider.
Cem regularly speaks at international technology conferences. He graduated from Bogazici University as a computer engineer and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School.
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