Stealing data on small devices – tools to wipe out the iPod predator

Abstract

As with sliced bread, it's hard to imagine life now without the iPod. But many security professionals would prefer life without it, or for that matter, the USB stick. Time to investigate how to counter data theft by the finger-sized storage device. There is seemingly endless scope for data ‘leakage’ through a range of high storage capacity devices that can be attached to a PC or laptop these days. With USB sticks offering capacities in excess of 1GB and an iPod-type device providing 40+ GB, the opportunity for illicitly stealing huge quantities of data has never been greater. Unfortunately, though, any organization that seeks to ban all external devices is likely to experience hostile reaction from users – who are now hooked to them. So how can companies provide a greater degree of control? This article reviews five leading products to counter theft via small mobile storage devices, revealing sharp differences in performance. There is significant potential for information ‘leakage’ through any number of high storage capacity devices that can be attached to a PC or laptop. With USB sticks offering capacities in excess of 1GB and an iPod-type device providing 40+ GB, the opportunity for illicitly stealing huge quantities of data has never been greater.