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NSA Develops USB Storage Device Detector

Hugh Pickens writes "Bob Brewin writes on NextGov that the National Security Agency has developed a software tool that detects thumb drives or other flash media connected to a network. The NSA says the tool, called the USBDetect 3.0 Computer Network Defense Tool, provides 'network administrators and system security officials with an automated capability to detect the introduction of USB storage devices into their networks. This tool closes potential security vulnerabilities; a definite success story in the pursuit of the [Defense Department] and NSA protect information technology system strategic goals.' The tool gathers data from the registry on Microsoft Windows machines (PDF) and reports whether storage devices, such as portable music or video players, external hard drives, flash drives, jump drives, or thumb drives have been connected to the USB port. 'I have a hunch that a bunch of other agencies use the detection software,' writes Brewin."

4 of 233 comments (clear)

  1. Wow. by jgreco · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow. Clever. Nobody ever thought of that before.

  2. Re:3.0? by Hognoxious · · Score: 3, Funny

    They're actully running version 4.0, but don't tell anyo!7*0 ,.;
    lno carrier

    --
    Confucius say, "Find worm in apple - bad. Find half a worm - worse."
  3. Re:Arms race anyone? by swanzilla · · Score: 5, Funny

    "USB Detect detects the use of removable drives" "Shadow Drive evades detection by the following products" "Latest USB Detect detects Shadow Drive use!" "New ShadowDrive 2.0!"

    A strange game. The only winning move is not to boot Windows.

  4. Meeeeliionnns by codepunk · · Score: 4, Funny

    5 or so meeeliionnns of well spent money....our brilliant govt at work.

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