Protecting data on storage media leaving the premises

Removable media includes e.g. flash memories, SD memories, removable storage drives, USB sticks and DVDs.

The organization has defined which removable media is allowed to be used.

Storing confidential information on removable media should be avoided. When removable media is used to transfer confidential information, appropriate security is used (e.g., full disk encryption with pre-boot authentication).

When removable media is an important part of an organisation's operations, more specific rules have been defined for securing removable media and the information they contain.

• when a removable media is transferred outside the organization, it is impossible to restore its contents if the content is no longer needed;
• the transfer of media from the organization required a permiossion and all transfers will be logged
• removable media are protected by encryption when the confidentiality and integrity of the information is important
• information on removable media is regularly passed on to unused media so that the media does not deteriorate and the data becomes unreadable before that time;
• multiple copies of valuable data are stored on different media to reduce the risk of simultaneous data damage or loss