1. Purpose
Establish requirements for the use and control of removable storage media to prevent data loss and malware introduction at [ORGANIZATION].
2. Scope
This policy applies to all removable storage media including USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD/microSD cards, optical media (CD/DVD), and any other portable storage devices used with [ORGANIZATION]'s enterprise assets.
3. Policy
3.1 Removable Media Usage
The use of removable storage media on enterprise assets is [CUSTOMIZE: prohibited except with documented approval / restricted to organization-provided encrypted devices / allowed with mandatory encryption].
If removable media use is authorized, only [ORGANIZATION]-provided or approved encrypted devices shall be used.
Users shall not store Restricted data on removable media without explicit written approval from [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/Data Owner] and use of approved encrypted devices.
Found or unknown removable media shall not be connected to any enterprise asset. Such devices shall be turned in to [CUSTOMIZE: IT Security/IT Help Desk].
3.2 Technical Controls
Enterprise assets shall be configured to disable auto-run and auto-play for all removable media.
Endpoint protection solutions shall automatically scan removable media upon connection.
For environments requiring strict control: USB port blocking shall be enforced via endpoint management tools, with exceptions granted only through [CUSTOMIZE: IT Security approval process].
Data transfers to removable media shall be logged and monitored by DLP solutions where deployed.
3.3 Disposal
Removable media containing [ORGANIZATION] data shall be securely wiped or physically destroyed when no longer needed, following the Data Retention and Disposal Policy.
Disposal of removable media containing Confidential or Restricted data shall be documented.
4. Compliance
Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all personnel within its scope. Compliance will be monitored through periodic audits, automated controls, and management review.
Exceptions to this policy must be documented with a business justification, approved by [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/Security Team], and reviewed at least annually.
5. Enforcement
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or contract, and may result in civil or criminal penalties where applicable law has been violated.
[ORGANIZATION] reserves the right to audit compliance with this policy at any time, with or without notice.
6. Review and Revision
This policy shall be reviewed at least annually by [CUSTOMIZE: CISO/Policy Owner] and updated as necessary to reflect changes in the threat landscape, regulatory requirements, or organizational structure.
All revisions shall be documented with version number, date, author, and description of changes.
Policy Approval
Approved By
Title
Date
Document Control