AC.L2-3.1.21

A portable storage device is a system component that can be inserted or attached and easily removed from a system. It is used to store data or information. Examples of portable storage devices include:

• compact/digital video disks (CDs/DVDs);
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) drives;
• external hard disk drives;
• flash memory cards/drives; and
• floppy disks.

This requirement can be implemented in two ways:

• identifying the portable storage device usage restrictions, identifying portable storage devices that may be used on external systems, identifying associated external systems on which a portable storage device may be used, and administratively (through the use of a written policy) limiting the usage of the devices to those systems; or
• configuring devices to work only when connected to a system to which the portable storage device can authenticate, limiting the devices’ use on external systems to those that the OSA has the ability to manage.

Example

Your organization, which stores and processes CUI, has a written portable device usage restriction policy. It states that users can only use external storage devices such as thumb dives or external hard disks that belong to the company. When needed for a specific business function, a user checks the device out from IT and returns it to IT when no longer needed [a,b].

Potential Assessment Considerations

• Are the portable storage devices authorized for external use identified and documented [a]?
• Are the circumstances defined in which portable storage devices containing CUI may be used on external systems (e.g., with management approval) [b]?
• Are limitations stipulated for the use of portable storage devices containing CUI on external systems (e.g., authorized personnel only, encrypted drives required) [b]?