Enabling and Disabling USB Sticks with Group Policy

### Enabling and Disabling USB Sticks with Group Policy: A Humorous Guide

One of the easiest ways to breach a secure network is a sprinkle of shiny USB sticks in a car park or the pub across the road with payroll or bonus written on the side of the USB stick.

Alright, let's embark on this epic USB adventure with a sprinkle of humor!

#### Enabling USB Access

1. **Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)**:

- Press **Windows + R**, type `gpmc.msc`, and press **Enter**.

- Welcome to the *Group Policy Wonderland*. Beware, it's easy to get lost!

2. **Create a New GPO**:

- Right-click on the domain or OU (Organizational Unit) where you want to apply the policy.

- Select **Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here**.

- Name your GPO (e.g., **Enable USB Access**). Maybe name it something fun, like **USB Party Time**.

3. **Edit the GPO**:

- Right-click your newly created GPO and select **Edit**.

- Navigate to **Computer Configuration** -> **Policies** -> **Administrative Templates** -> **System** -> **Removable Storage Access**.

4. **Enable USB Access**:

- Double-click **All Removable Storage Classes: Deny All Access** and set it to **Not Configured** or **Disabled**. Say goodbye to denial!

- Do the same for **Removable Disks: Deny Execute Access**, **Deny Read Access**, and **Deny Write Access**.

5. **Apply the GPO**:

- Link your GPO to the appropriate OU. Make sure it's the right one; we don't want everyone in the company accessing USB sticks—unless you want chaos.

- Run `gpupdate /force` on the client computers. It's the equivalent of waving a magic wand.

#### Disabling USB Access

1. **Open Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)**:

- Press **Windows + R**, type `gpmc.msc`, and press **Enter**.

- Oh, look, we're back in Wonderland!

2. **Create a New GPO**:

- Right-click on the domain or OU where you want to apply the policy.

- Select **Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here**.

- Name your GPO (e.g., **Disable USB Access**). Something ominous like **USB No More** could work.

3. **Edit the GPO**:

- Right-click your newly created GPO and select **Edit**.

- Navigate to **Computer Configuration** -> **Policies** -> **Administrative Templates** -> **System** -> **Removable Storage Access**.

4. **Disable USB Access**:

- Double-click **All Removable Storage Classes: Deny All Access** and set it to **Enabled**. Say hello to denial!

- Do the same for **Removable Disks: Deny Execute Access**, **Deny Read Access**, and **Deny Write Access**.

5. **Apply the GPO**:

- Link your GPO to the appropriate OU. Double-check—you don't want to disable USB access for the CEO's computer unless you enjoy office drama.

- Run `gpupdate /force` on the client computers. Magic wand, round two!

### Security Risks of USB Sticks: The Rogue Flash Drive

Let's be real, USB sticks are the undercover spies of the IT world. Here’s why they can be a bit sneaky:

- **Data Loss**: USB sticks are tiny, easy to lose, and prone to mysterious disappearances. One moment it’s in your pocket, the next it’s in the Bermuda Triangle of storage devices.

- **Malware Spread**: These little devils can carry malware like it's nobody's business. It’s like hosting a party and inviting a couple of cyber-criminals.

- **Unauthorized Data Access**: If not properly secured, anyone can plug them in and access sensitive data. It’s like leaving your diary open on the lunchroom table.

- **Physical Theft**: They can be easily stolen. “Hey, where's my USB?” is the new “Hey, where's my car?”

To mitigate these risks, use encryption, password protection, and USB blocking software. Always back up important data and avoid using sketchy USB sticks you found in the car park. Because, seriously, who knows where they’ve been?