Locking Down USB Access to Protect Manufacturing Data at Scale
We were looking for a solution to lock down USB access, and we needed something that could not be disabled unless we specifically allowed it.
CurrentWare gave us a product that meets the requirements we were asking for. It gives us peace of mind that nobody can disable it and skirt our security.
D.C.
Network Administrator
About the Company
A leading U.S.-based manufacturing company with over 160,000 employees needed a way to safeguard sensitive machinery and proprietary data from unauthorized USB device use.
With a large network of operations and frequent visits from outside vendors and maintenance teams, the organization sought a robust, tamper-proof USB security solution that would remain active unless USB access was explicitly permitted by IT.
| Headquarters United States | Industry |
| Business Type | Company Size |
CurrentWare Products Used
Securing Sensitive Systems With Robust USB Access Control
The company’s IT department faced persistent issues with external removable media devices being connected to their systems. Without CurrentWare’s USB control solution AccessPatrol in place these external devices would present a significant risk to data and endpoint security.
- Malware Risk: Maintenance personnel were using personal thumb drives for work, introducing viruses into critical machines.
- Data Loss Concerns: Unauthorized USB use posed a threat of sensitive operational data being taken off company systems.
- Third-Party Access: Frequent visits from outside vendors increased the risk of malicious or accidental data transfers.
We’ve had issues with maintenance personnel using their personal thumb drives for work and getting viruses on our machines.
We also don’t want just anyone at any time to plug in a thumb drive and transfer data—Especially because we have a lot of outside vendors that come in here.
Protecting Legacy Systems Against Modern Threats
One of the company’s greatest challenges was finding a USB control solution for their broad spectrum of Windows operating systems going as far back as Windows XP, which are needed to keep legacy systems running.
Thankfully CurrentWare has been in operation since 2003, allowing its development team to provide a revised legacy version of AccessPatrol that could protect Windows XP machines.
Nobody really wants to make anything for XP anymore; fortunately, CurrentWare was willing and able to meet this critical requirement for us.
Scaling Security Successfully With Stellar Support
Following extensive testing of AccessPatrol, the company was delighted by its extensive USB control capabilities, its ease-of-use, and the quality of CurrentWare’s customer support. Most critically, AccessPatrol’s client agent could not be bypassed, making CurrentWare a clear choice when compared to the company’s current USB control solution.
I would recommend AccessPatrol by CurrentWare because it’s easy to use, easy to set up, and it’s effective. As we expand across North America we’ll be including it on all of our systems. This will be our standard going forward.
CurrentWare’s Customer Care Makes the Difference
For this manufacturing giant, technical support is more than just a convenience—it’s an essential partner in maintaining security. From the very first deployment of AccessPatrol, the company’s IT team has relied on CurrentWare’s responsive and knowledgeable support staff to ensure smooth implementation across their expansive network.
Whether it was answering configuration questions, troubleshooting unique scenarios, or guiding policy adjustments, the support team consistently provided timely solutions. Each inquiry was resolved quickly, allowing the IT department to focus on protecting their systems rather than fighting technical roadblocks.
CurrentWare’s support team has been really responsive and helpful. They’ve been helping me get anything that I’ve asked them for help on resolved. I’ve been really appreciative of them.
