Safe Use of USB Drives
We have long considered developing a solution for the secure import of files from USB drives, as it is an important part of secure data transfer. USB drives pose a security risk but remain a common method of information sharing. Eventually, we decided to create a solution because many organizations with high security requirements had asked us for a secure and controlled way to receive information via portable drives.
Customer Needs and Requirements
When developing our solution, we had a few specific design criteria:
- It had to meet stringent security requirements.
- It needed a user-friendly design.
- It required automatic updates of antivirus definitions.
- It had to be based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware.
link22’s engineers worked intensively to develop a solution that fulfilled these requirements.
“As a company, we have a unique blend of deep expertise that contributed to our success,” says Marcus Ekbäck, Head of Cross Domain Solutions at link22.
“Thanks to our know-how in systems engineering, software development, virtualization, hardening, and generally high domain knowledge in cybersecurity, we’ve managed to create a competitive product that addresses a clear market need. The solution also builds on proven components from our Cross Domain Solutions offerings.”
From Prototype to Delivery
After months of intensive work, we had a functioning prototype consisting of a scanning station with two USB ports and a user-friendly interface, along with a server running antivirus software.
For maximum security, two USB drives are used – one for external files and one for approved files. The user connects each drive to the scanning station, selects which files to scan on the touch screen, and those files are scanned by multiple antivirus engines. Approved files are then transferred to the clean USB drive and can be safely used in the organization.
We had thus developed an easy-to-use product with automatic virus filter updates, built on standard hardware and based on proven solutions from link22.
After a period of testing and ongoing dialogue with customers, we moved from prototype to full-scale deployment when the first link22 USB Scan Solutions were rolled out. Early in the year, we officially launched the product, and it is already being used by several customers in live environments.
For those interested in learning more, further information about link22’s USB Scan Solution can be found here.
At link22, we keep our ears to the ground – we listen to our customers and develop user-friendly, secure solutions based on their needs. This product development journey is our latest example of exactly that.
