Total PC lockdown may sound attractive, but is a dangerous policy that can lead to severe disruption, loss of productivity and ultimately unnecessary cost. For example, simply blocking all USB ports looks great, until you realize how many staff have USB-connected mice and keyboards! Likewise, removing CD drives might seem a good idea until an admin needs to install a new software package on the PC.

By blocking only those connections considered to be a real threat to the organization, DeviceWall offers a more intelligent alternative to wholesale PC lockdown. The solution allows managers to centrally define which computer users in the organization have a legitimate need to access different kinds of devices – and enforce security policies accordingly.

Focusing on individual device types – rather than solely on the means of connection – means that DeviceWall can safely lock out all USB memory sticks without fear of blocking USB-connected keyboards and mice. Similarly, you can allow trusted users to read information from CDs, but not to write files from the network or PC to a CD-R.

For laptops, DeviceWall can lock down wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and IRDA) ports, preventing the unauthorized connection of company assets to unknown devices and networks.