Planned Events
FINAL Reminder: Changes to the Use of Removable Media Storage Devices, including USBs, beginning October 1, 2019
Starting October 1, 2019, any personally-owned removable media storage devices, including USBs, will not operate when connected to any USPTO computer, docking station, or monitor. Removable media storage devices include:
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Portable disk drives (i.e., USB drives or memory cards)
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Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs)
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Read/write compact disks (CDs)
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Devices that operate as removable media storage devices (e.g., Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, or Apple iPods)
It’s important to note the Removable Media Policy does not directly pertain to wireless devices. However, per the USPTO Rules of the Road Policy and IT Security Awareness training, employees are not authorized to use wireless devices of any kind on their USPTO equipment. removable media storage devices SharePoint site has more information about this policy. If you have questions, please email USB_Questions@uspto.gov.
You may connect your personal smartphones via a USB port to agency laptops, docking stations, or monitors only to charge them. Please remember that the Symantec Endpoint Protection software will automatically prohibit data sharing between your computer and your smartphone.
After October 1, 2019, only select employees will be authorized to use USPTO-provided removable media storage devices. These employees were notified by their managers and have compliant devices. All other personnel will not be authorized to use removable media.
If you use a personally-owned removable media storage device after October 1, the Symantec Endpoint Protection software will automatically block the device from communicating with your computer, docking station, and monitors, and prevent access to the data stored on the device.
How to prepare for the policy enforcement effective October 1, 2019:
- If you are using your own removable media storage device, you must transfer the data to an alternative location, such as a shared drive, an assigned H: drive, or to SharePoint or Kiteworks.
- Employees who choose to move the information to SharePoint must check with their supervisor for proper approvals.
- Kiteworks is a new, secure file-sharing option for USPTO employees. To get started, follow the instructions on the Kiteworks Quick Start Guide.
- Please follow these instructions for how to copy files from your thumb drive to your assigned H: Drive or shared drive.
Our removable media storage devices SharePoint site has more information about this policy. If you have questions, please email USB_Questions@uspto.gov
Posted at 12:41PM Sep 30, 2019 in Planned Events |