• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Help to secure USB ports

C

cgott42

Member
I am in charge of a PC used in a public rec area, and we want to make sure that no one can plug in any USB device and infect the computer (e.g. via USB drive, usb wifi , etc) I purchased physical locks, whcih plug into the port and require a physical key to take out and thought that I was reasonably set, however now I realize that the Acer Revo AR3610-U9022 has a wireless k/b mouse which requires a mini-USB receiver plugged into a USB port - thus someone could pull the plug out, and insert a USB drive there
Is there a way to keep the mini-USB receiver plugged in and not allow anyone to access it - or attach a k/b , mouse another way (there is not Pss port)?
FWIW - I have no sensitive data on the PC (i.e not concerned about people d/l'ing from the PC, just don't want them putting anything on it via the USB port)

thx
 
Use one of your USB headers inside of the case on your mobo instead of outside the case. You might have to disconnect some of the fronts ports to get a header open, but it should be doable.
 
Buy a locking metal box. Bolt/screw it down to the table. Cut holes for wires and airflow, and put the computer in the box.
 
Crusty said:
Use one of your USB headers inside of the case on your mobo instead of outside the case. You might have to disconnect some of the fronts ports to get a header open, but it should be doable.
Click to expand...


thanks , that's a great idea.
However, when I opened the case, everything seems to be soldered on - nothing that I could unplug (except the front USB ports which plug into a 14 pin connector, which also has the on/off button)
 
Kind of low budget, but you could make a thin cable noose that goes around the USB adapter, then goes through holes you drilled in the case with a small padlock or bolt to secure it. That won't stop someone with a Leatherman, but it'll foil casual users.

Edit:
added content
 
Last edited:
OK, I opened the case, and looked into the BIOS and here's what I've secured, and what I haven't figured out yet:

Already Secured:
(a) Internal Wifi - opened case, and unplugged antenna wires
(b) Wired Ethernet port - disabled in BIOS
(c) disruption to BIOS settings - via password
(d) USB - physical lock

Probably easily doable:
(a) erase True Image - I have Acronis True Image installed, and an image on the secure zone. I'm worried someone will open the program and delete the image. I can probably uninstall the software w/o deleting the securezone
(b) external eSATA port and external SD flash card port - everything on motherboard is soldered in . Perhaps I can disable in Win7 Device Manager in p/w protected admin account - Can anyone help me in how to identify them (nothing seems obvious)

Haven't figured out: - PLEASE HELP
(a) k/b and mouse are via wireless USB key - thus the USB plug is sticking out and someone could unplug it and put an autorun USB flash drive to cause problems. There isn't an internal plug that I can use to connect the USB plug internally as mentioned. Any ideas - my only thought at the moment is a physical brace around the entire unit (w/ hole for air) preventing someone from pulling out the k/b mouse USB plug, or using eSATA, and flash port - I'll google search, if anyone knows of something already made and cheap let me know, or other idea.
(b) Someone physically stealing the wireless k/b or mouse
(c) how to prevent the users from turning off windows/pc via start/shut down (ie assuming they don't have access to the power button, I want to make sure they don't shut down the PC via start/shut down

Anything else that I should secure or other ideas?

thx
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top