USB Memory sticks can be easily lost or stolen. As a result, so can any data stored on them if not encrypted.
Please Note: The College’s Information Security Policy states that no personal or special category data should be physically transported off-site without either the permission of The Bursar or via an approved Cloud storage provider.If data is to be transferred via USB media, it must be encrypted.
This can be achieved in two ways:
1. Encrypt (Password Protect) the files containing the data before transfering to a standard USB memory stick. Guides to protecting common file types can be found here
2. Use an encrypted USB memory stick that encrypted everything stored on the drive. (See Below)
Encrypted USB Memory Sticks
The ICT Office has stock of USB memory sticks which are encrypted via a pin-pad. These devices can be borrowed by members of staff when permission to transport personal data off-site or to transfer data between device securely. You can either pop in to the ICT office or email computer.office@bnc.ox.ac.uk to request to borrow a device. Once authenticated (unlocked via PIN) the device operates like a normal USB stick.
The USB device features:
- 4GB of storage
- Military grade Full-disk AES 256-bit Hardware Encryption
- Auto-lock on removal from devices
- PIN activated 7-15 digits – Alphanumeric keypad use a memorable number or word for your PIN
- Drive reset destroys data irrecoverably
- No software or drivers required (Can be used in almost all types of devices)
- FIPS Security 140-2 Level 3 Certified
Device layout:
Setting up a PIN (The IT office can assist with creating PIN’s) – Please note if you forget this PIN all data on the USB will be irrecoverable
Usage indicators
