Approved Portable Devices

Authorized Portable devices on an exception list can be connected safely to the network or used with a departmental desktop or laptop. These devices include: Password Encrypted eUSB keys, Biometric Encrypted eUSB keys and Encrypted External Hard Drives; Secure Digital (SD) Cards; and portable optical media devices (CDs, DVDs and floppy disks). USB Devices use a USB port to connect to a computer or laptop, and include (but are not limited to) personal unencrypted USB keys, cameras, tablets, e-readers, webcams and headphones. If device is NOT authorized, do not connect it, even to charge it.

After reading through the Do's and Don'ts, and if you require more information about these devices, please visit the Portable Storage Devices portal.

DO...

  • Connect only authorized eUSB storage devices to your desktop or laptop.
  • Secure the device at all times, while onsite or offsite. eUSB storage devices must be locked in cabinets or drawers, in consideration for the information contained on it, or secured on-person when not in use.
  • Know who to contact to obtain or return a eUSB storage device.
  • Know your Roles and Responsibilities when you are using the device: What the USB Storage Devices Directive means to you (DOCX, 723 KB).
  • Review the Questions and Answers about USB Storage Devices to learn more.
  • Ensure that the information transferred to or from the device is retained properly: Know what information to keep and not keep.
  • Know that all computer and laptop ports intended for portable media (CD, DVD, floppy disks and SD cards) have read-only capabilities.
  • Be familiar with the process for requesting write-capability for work duties, as being granted an exception is not only subject to the approval of the Manager and Branch ADM but may be time-limited.
  • Dispose of CDs/DVDs, floppy disks and SD cards appropriately. Contact the National Service Desk for instructions.

DON'T...

  • Plug your own personal USB device or storage key into your desktop or laptop, even to charge it.
  • Plug in a USB device you have found or been given - call the NSD!
  • Disengage an authorized USB device abruptly. Files may not have synchronized properly, causing the data to become corrupted and inaccessible.