Encrypted USB Devices

IITB is in the process of testing and piloting new encrypted USB keys that will replace current encrypted password USB keys and encrypted biometric USB keys. Further testing is required before the new eUSB keys can be provided to employees in all branches/regions.

If you currently require an encrypted USB key, please contact your Password Pool Custodian. Please note that only USB keys with a capacity of 2 gigabytes (GB) and 4GB are available at this time.

Approved encrypted USB (eUSB) devices supplied by the Department will provide employees write-access capability. Depending on business requirements, three types of encrypted devices are available:

Encrypted Password
Encrypted Biometric
Encrypted External Hard Drive

It is important to note that every ESDC employee is responsible for the safeguarding of their device(s) and data.

	Encrypted Password eUSB Key	Encrypted Biometric eUSB Key	Encrypted External Hard Drive (eHD)
Description of device and usage	For employees needing to share password keys within a team and/or by an employee for short term use. Branches/Regions who have identified this requirement have established a pool of password eUSB keys within their Branch/Region.	For employees requiring a dedicated encrypted USB key for long term use. Biometric eUSB key uses finger print for identification and access.	For employees who require significant storage space to process large amounts of work-related data.
What you need to know about this encrypted device	Password eUSB keys are managed by the Branch/Region Password Pool Custodian	eUSB key is assigned to individual employee (Serial number) Biometric key(s) cannot be shared with other employees. If request is approved, device setup instructions will be sent to employee. Biometric Keys are managed by the Innovation, Information and Technology Branch (IITB).	Access to eHDs is strictly controlled as these devices pose inherent risk to the Department. The eHD will be made available only if technical or business rationale precludes the use of the electronic network as an option.
Approval required	Employees to contact their Branch/Region Password Pool Custodian	Manager and Director General	Manager and Director General
How to request the device	Requests are to be submitted to employee Branch/Region Password Pool Custodian	Request/Return of Encrypted USB(eUSB) Portable Device (P5089) (PDF, 153KB) (open news window) form must be completed and submitted online to the National Service Desk	Request/Return of Encrypted USB(eUSB) Portable Device (P5089) (PDF, 153KB) (open news window) form must be completed and submitted online to the National Service Desk

For more information on how to request for a eUSB Device or how to return a eUSB Device, detailed instructions are available through the .