Why Removable Media Remains a Critical Security Concern?

Removable media, particularly USB devices, continue to pose a significant risk within high-security settings. Despite advancements in network defence, USB drives are a well-documented attack vector, capable of bypassing other protective measures and introducing malware into sensitive infrastructures.

As of 2024, research indicates that over 30 per cent of known malware outbreaks in industrial and critical environments originate from USB transfers. This threat has persisted, notably impacting defence sites, manufacturing facilities, and energy providers across Europe.

Key takeaways

• USB devices can evade regular endpoint security solutions and introduce advanced threats.
• Incidents affect both IT and Operational Technology (OT) networks, highlighting the need for robust physical and digital controls.
• Adopting a dedicated removable media policy is now considered a regulatory requirement in many sectors.

Case example: The real-world impact of USB-borne threats

In 2022, a major manufacturing plant in Europe suffered a week-long shutdown after a contractor’s infected USB drive impacted their programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The downtime resulted from a cascade of system failures, leading to losses exceeding £1.5 million.

While this incident occurred overseas, it mirrors potential outcomes for UK critical infrastructure providers, emphasising the urgent requirement for effective USB threat management.

Statistical Evidence and Trends

A report published in June 2024 by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) highlights an increase in targeted attacks using removable media. Organisations have seen a 28 per cent annual rise in incidents attributed to USB drives since 2021 (source).

Notably, attacks have grown more sophisticated, often exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities or targeting air-gapped networks.

Emerging Compliance Drivers: Regulations and Best Practices

Many regulations now mandate strict controls over the use of removable media. For example, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) outlines that “all external media must be scanned before connecting to secure networks,” echoing guidelines from sector specifics such as NIS Regulations and IEC 62443.

These standards necessitate adopting technical and procedural defences, making security planning around USB devices an integral concern for information security managers.

Developing a Removable Media Security Policy

Implementing a robust policy involves more than blocking unknown devices. Guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) underlines the importance of providing employees with approved, pre-scanned devices and mandatory checking through dedicated scanning stations.

Adding technical controls ensures that only clean media enters critical systems, with logs for audit and incident investigation purposes.

Policy checklist for UK organisations

• Authorise only specific, tracked USB devices for use within secure areas.
• Enforce scanning of all removable media at an isolated station before connecting to operational networks.
• Maintain records of scans to support compliance and forensic analysis.
• Provide security training for all staff handling removable media.

Industry guidance and support

The NCSC and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) regularly update best practice documentation. Their February 2024 bulletin highlights the growing role of hardware-based scanning solutions, particularly where traditional software controls cannot reliably neutralise the threat.

Organisations are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these frameworks for continual alignment with the latest security practices.

For high-security environments looking for turnkey solutions, consider exploring Tyrex removable media security, which is purpose-built for robust USB threat prevention and compliance support.

Proven Approaches: Layered Defence for USB-borne Threats

A multi-layered approach is regarded by experts as the most robust method to protect against threats from USB devices. This typically includes hardware-enforced isolation, network-access restrictions, and centralised monitoring.

By combining these techniques, an organisation can significantly reduce its attack surface, ensuring that even advanced malware or zero-day exploits are identified before reaching sensitive systems.

Key Takeaways

• Combining hardware scanning stations with endpoint controls provides superior protection.
• Centralised management and reporting bolster compliance and enable rapid incident response.
• Education and routine audits are critical for maintaining long-term resilience.

Technical Insight: Hardware vs Software-only Controls

Real-world Deployment: High-security Industrial Environments

Since late 2023, high-security sectors within the UK, including energy transmission and maritime, have prioritised hardware “white stations” or “sheep dip” solutions as their first line of defence.

These systems ensure scanning is conducted in an air-gapped, controlled environment, neutralising threats before data ever touches the core operational technology.

Metrics and Success Indicators

Organisations implementing multi-layered removable media controls report notable improvements. According to a 2024 ISC2 study, nearly 75 per cent of companies using dedicated hardware for USB media sanitisation have experienced a measurable reduction in critical malware incidents, with audit findings indicating higher regulatory satisfaction and improved cyber insurance compliance.

Building a Culture of Removable Media Awareness

Technology alone does not mitigate all risks posed by USB devices. A culture of awareness, supported by clear processes and continuous education, remains paramount. Regular staff training helps reduce human error, while role-based access policies ensure only authorised personnel handle removable media. Communicating lessons from high-profile incidents can make the abstract threat tangible for employees at all levels.

Case study: Raising Awareness in Maritime Operations

In 2023, a major European shipping company revised its policies following an incident where an infected drive compromised a vessel’s navigation systems mid-voyage. The remedial actions included routine crew training, updated procedures, and the installation of on-board scanning stations.

Subsequent security audits recorded 90 per cent fewer flagged incidents within a year, demonstrating how procedural improvement, when combined with appropriate technology, drives measurable risk reduction.

For organisations seeking advanced solutions for cybersecurity for ships and loading vessel cybersecurity, implementing a dedicated maritime cybersecurity strategy is essential to protect critical onboard systems from USB-borne and other cyber threats.

Effective Training Techniques

• Conduct scenario-based drills to simulate USB-borne attacks.
• Share sector-specific incident reports to raise contextual awareness.
• Implement just-in-time digital prompts during USB scans.
• Establish clear procedures for handling found or unknown devices.

The Value of Audit and Feedback Loops

Maintaining a register of scanned devices and incidents supports ongoing policy refinement. Periodic reviews give security managers identifiable patterns and opportunities for continued improvement. Linking these findings to broader cybersecurity frameworks, such as Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001, further reinforces organisational resilience.

Summary Checklist

• Document lessons learned from each incident involving removable media.
• Review and update policies annually or after significant events.
• Engage staff with practical, relatable training materials.
• Integrate audit outcomes into strategic risk management reviews.

Next Steps for High-security Organisations

To strengthen your organisation’s removable media defences, review your existing policies and consider adopting a layered defence model. For more insights into industry best practices and the latest technology developments, explore sector-specific resources or refer to recent regulatory guidance.

Begin your journey to improved media security by accessing educational guides and policy templates, or by arranging a discussion with a cybersecurity consultant experienced in high-security environments.

The post Understanding the Risks of USB Devices in High-Security Environments first appeared on UK Business Magazine.