Peripheral Device Security Hardening: Best Practices for Enterprise Environments

Peripheral devices, such as printers, scanners, and USB devices, can be significant security vulnerabilities if not properly managed. This guide outlines best practices for hardening the security of peripheral devices in enterprise environments.

1. USB Port Control

Implement strict USB port control policies:

• Disable unused USB ports
• Use USB port blockers for physically securing ports
• Implement software-based USB device control

# Open Group Policy Editor
gpedit.msc

# Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions

# Enable "Prevent installation of removable devices"
        

2. Printer and Scanner Security

Secure network printers and scanners:

• Change default administrator passwords
• Disable unused protocols and ports
• Enable encryption for data in transit
• Implement secure pull printing
• Regularly update firmware

# Install HP Web Jetadmin
# Access the web interface
# Navigate to Security > Secure Communication
# Enable HTTPS and disable HTTP
# Navigate to Security > Access Control
# Set up role-based access control
        

3. Bluetooth Device Management

Secure Bluetooth connections:

• Use Bluetooth 4.0 or later with Secure Simple Pairing (SSP)
• Enable encryption for all Bluetooth connections
• Regularly update Bluetooth device firmware
• Disable Bluetooth when not in use

# Check Bluetooth radio status
Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Bluetooth"}

# Disable Bluetooth radio
Disable-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Bluetooth"}).InstanceId -Confirm:$false

# Enable Bluetooth radio
Enable-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Bluetooth"}).InstanceId -Confirm:$false
        

4. Webcam and Microphone Security

Secure webcams and microphones:

• Implement physical covers for webcams when not in use
• Use software controls to disable webcams and microphones
• Regularly audit applications with camera and microphone permissions

# Disable webcam
Disable-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Image"}).InstanceId -Confirm:$false

# Enable webcam
Enable-PnpDevice -InstanceId (Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.Class -eq "Image"}).InstanceId -Confirm:$false
        

5. External Storage Device Control

Manage external storage devices:

• Implement device encryption for all external storage devices
• Use Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions to control data transfers
• Implement read-only policies for external devices where appropriate

# Enable BitLocker for a removable drive (replace E: with the appropriate drive letter)
manage-bde -on E: -used
        

6. Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Security

Secure NAS devices:

• Change default administrator credentials
• Enable encryption for data at rest
• Implement strong access controls
• Regularly update NAS firmware
• Use VLANs to isolate NAS traffic

            # SSH into your Synology NAS
            ssh admin@nas_ip_address
            
            # Update the NAS
            sudo synopkg upgrade all
            
            # Enable HTTPS
            sudo synoservice --enable nginx_ssl
            
            # Configure firewall
            sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 22 -j DROP
            sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
            sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT
            
            # Save firewall rules
            sudo /usr/syno/sbin/synoiptables-save
                    

7. IoT Device Security

Secure Internet of Things (IoT) devices:

• Change default passwords on all IoT devices
• Regularly update IoT device firmware
• Isolate IoT devices on a separate network segment
• Disable unnecessary features and services
• Implement network-level protection for IoT devices

            Switch(config)# vlan 100
            Switch(config-vlan)# name IoT_Devices
            Switch(config)# interface range fastethernet 0/1 - 12
            Switch(config-if-range)# switchport mode access
            Switch(config-if-range)# switchport access vlan 100
            Switch(config-if-range)# spanning-tree portfast
            Switch(config-if-range)# spanning-tree bpduguard enable
                    

8. Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Implement MDM for mobile devices connecting to peripheral devices:

• Enforce device encryption
• Implement strong passcode policies
• Enable remote wipe capabilities
• Control app installations and permissions
• Manage Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections

            # Install Microsoft Graph PowerShell module
            Install-Module Microsoft.Graph -Scope CurrentUser
            
            # Connect to Microsoft Graph
            Connect-MgGraph -Scopes "DeviceManagementConfiguration.ReadWrite.All"
            
            # Create a device configuration policy
            $params = @{
                "@odata.type" = "#microsoft.graph.androidDeviceOwnerGeneralDeviceConfiguration"
                displayName = "Android Enterprise Device Policy"
                passwordRequired = $true
                passwordMinimumLength = 6
                storageEncryptionRequired = $true
            }
            New-MgDeviceManagementDeviceConfiguration -BodyParameter $params
                    

9. Physical Security for Peripheral Devices

Implement physical security measures:

• Use cable locks for laptops and other portable devices
• Secure printers and scanners in controlled areas
• Implement surveillance in areas with sensitive peripheral devices
• Use secure KVM switches for multi-computer setups

10. Regular Auditing and Inventory Management

Maintain an up-to-date inventory and conduct regular audits:

• Maintain a detailed inventory of all peripheral devices
• Regularly audit device usage and access
• Implement asset tracking for mobile peripheral devices
• Conduct periodic security assessments of peripheral devices

            Get-PnpDevice | Where-Object {$_.InstanceId -match '^USB'} | 
            Select-Object FriendlyName, InstanceId, Status | 
            Export-Csv -Path "C:\USBDeviceInventory.csv" -NoTypeInformation
                    

Conclusion

Peripheral device security is a critical yet often overlooked component of enterprise cybersecurity. As organizations increasingly rely on a diverse array of connected devices, from printers and scanners to IoT sensors and mobile devices, the attack surface expands significantly. Implementing robust security measures for these devices is no longer optional—it's a necessity in today's threat landscape.

Throughout this guide, we've explored various aspects of peripheral device security, including:

• USB port control and external storage management
• Printer and scanner security hardening
• Bluetooth device security
• Webcam and microphone protection
• Network-Attached Storage (NAS) security
• IoT device isolation and management
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) implementation
• Physical security measures for peripheral devices
• Regular auditing and inventory management

By implementing these security measures, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security incidents that may originate from peripheral devices. However, it's crucial to remember that peripheral device security is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and adaptation.

By prioritizing peripheral device security and implementing the practices outlined in this guide, organizations can create a more resilient and secure IT environment, better equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly connected world.