Top 10 Free USB Blocking Software

Data loss prevention software uses USB blocking to prevent data breaches via data exfiltration through USBs and removable storage devices. Control over peripheral devices like 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

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. 
• Device white/blacklisting: Allowing and denying access to specific devices of choice or as defined in the policy.
• Read-only mode: Allows data to be read only on USB devices.
• Policy enforcement: Configuring devices by user access and device-based rules defined in the policy.
• Centralized management: Allows an administrator to manage and apply security policies to multiple devices from a single, central console, rather than having to configure each device individually.

Products & features

1. USBGuard on GitHub

• USB white/blacklisting based on policy enforcement, based on daemon computing, meaning the program runs in the background without needing an active controller.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) is available.
• A C++ programming language-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.

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Source: Lugrain.²

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.

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Source: Newsoftwares.net³

4. Windows USB Blocker by SecurityXploded

• Blocking and unblocking USB devices except USBs 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 with AES 256-bit.

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Source: USB Lockit⁴

7. USB Lock RP by Advanced Systems International

• USB white/blacklisting 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.

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.

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Source: Gilisoft⁵

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.

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 over targeted computers using keystroke injections, 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.

Figure 1. Categories of incidents that involve USB devices

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Source: ManageEngine Blog ⁶

Historical examples of USB attack-led data breaches

1. Stuxnet Worm attack (2010)

The Stuxnet worm, discovered in 2010, 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.⁷

2. Edward Snowden leaks (2013)

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. ⁸

3. FIN7 BadUSB Campaign (2021-2024)

The FIN7 cybercrime group conducted months-long attacks against defense, transportation, and insurance industries using malicious USB devices sent through mail, highlighting the ongoing evolution of USB-based attack vectors.

Figure 2. List of malware that exploits USBs and exfiltrates sensitive data

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Source: MITRE ATT&CK ⁹

Further reading

• Top 5 Alternatives for Digital Guardian Endpoint DLP
• Top 5 Endpoint Management Software: 12 K+ Reviews

Reference Links

1.

USBGuard · GitHub

2.

Screenshots

3.

USB Block- Leak Prevention Software For PC- Protect Your PC

4.

USB Lockit - Pendrive Password - APK Download for Android | Aptoide

5.

[Windows 11] USB Encryption | Best USB Encryption Password Protect Lock your USB Disk, flash drive, memory stick

6.

ManageEngine Blog

7.

The Real Story of Stuxnet - IEEE Spectrum

IEEE Spectrum

8.

How Snowden did it

NBC News

9.

MITRE ATT&CK®

MITRE ATT&CK®

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Principal Analyst

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Researched by

Özge Aykaç

Industry Analyst

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Özge is an industry analyst at AIMultiple focused on data loss prevention, device control and data classification.

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