Free tool to audit device use on PCs

Security firm SecureWave has released a free tool that can audit systems on a network and reveal what kinds of portable storage devices employees are connecting to PCs.

The tool enables administrators to assess the potential risks of company data being taken off-site or of malware being introduced via devices like USB Flash drives.

Device Scanner, available from SecureWave resellers, creates an audit of all devices that have been connected to Windows PCs on a corporate network. The tool can be set to run scans to a pre-defined schedule, allowing administrators to get a clear and up-to-date picture of device use in their company.

“Device Scanner provides administrators with a complete view of what devices have ever accessed its network as well as recent connections," said SecureWave vice-president of corporate strategy Dennis Szerszen. "Using Device Scanner, administrators are taking an important first step in defining and enforcing usage policies," he added.

SecureWave already ships a security tool to manage device use on Windows PCs. Sanctuary Device Control lets administrators block use of devices apart from those on a corporate whitelist, and set policies governing how those approved devices may be used. It also encrypts files stored on removable media such as USB Flash drives.

Device Scanner was developed as a tool for resellers to demonstrate to customers exactly why there is a need for products like Sanctuary, SecureWave said.

"These devices can easily be used to pilfer proprietary information, as well as introduce malicious code into the network," Szerszen said.