On behalf of Keith Moore – Vice-President, Information Technology
As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping company data safe and secure, we’re implementing a new policy disabling the use of USB flash drives, portable hard drives, and other mass storage devices on all company computers. This change will take effect on Monday, May 12.
Why are we making this change?
USB flash drives and other portable storage devices can easily be lost or misplaced, they’re a common way for sensitive data to accidentally leave our organization. Disabling these devices helps reduce that risk significantly. This change is part of our broader effort to strengthen DHC’s overall cybersecurity posture. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we’re taking proactive steps to better protect our data, systems, and the trust our customers and partners place in us.
What if I have important files on a USB flash drive?
If you currently store work-related files on a USB flash drive or external drive, please reach out to the IT team before May 12. We’ll work with you to move your data to a secure, approved location that fits your needs.
Approved options include:
- SharePoint (for team collaboration and document management)
- OneDrive for Business (for your personal work files)
- Company file servers (for shared department or project files)
These platforms are backed up, secure, and accessible from wherever you work — so you won’t lose access to files, and you’ll be working in a safe, compliant environment.
We’re here to help
We understand this may be disruptive for team members, and we’re here to support you. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance transferring files, please don’t hesitate to contact the IT team by visiting the Service Portal – Service Portal and raising a Service Request. We aim to make this as smooth of a transition for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will all USB devices stop working?
No. Devices such as, keyboards, mice, headsets and webcams that connect via USB will continue to work. This change will only affect USB flash drives, portable hard drives, and similar mass storage devices.
Q: I use a USB flash drive for work. What should I do?
Please contact the IT team before May 12. We’ll work with you to move your files to a secure location, such as SharePoint, OneDrive, or a company file server.
Q: What happens if I plug in a USB flash drive after May 12?
It simply won’t work. You’ll see that it’s not recognized or accessible by your computer. You will receive the following message:
Q: Can I still use cloud services or email to share files?
Yes. As long as you’re using company-approved tools. If you’re unsure which tools are approved, please contact IT.
Q: What if I need to transfer pictures from my company mobile phone to my computer?
Mobile phones can also be detected as mass storage devices, they will no longer be accessible via USB after May 12. If you need to transfer work-related photos or images (e.g. site visits, equipment, documentation), the best option is to upload them directly to OneDrive using the OneDrive mobile app. This ensures your photos are stored securely and remain accessible from your work computer.
If you need help setting this up, please raise a Service Request and a member of the IT team will be in touch to help walk you through it.
Q: Will this affect my ability to charge devices via USB?
No. You will still be able to charge your phone or other devices using USB ports. Only data transfers from mass storage devices will be blocked.
Q: Can I use an encrypted USB flash drive instead?
No. Encrypted USB flash drives will be blocked by this policy. While encryption adds a layer of protection, the use of portable storage still presents risks. Please contact IT to move any necessary files to a secure, approved storage solution.
Team: Announcements