The USB storage drive automatically detects USB flash or hard drives. You can quickly force and disable USB storage devices under any Linux distribution. The modprobe program used for automatic kernel module loading. It can be configured not load the USB storage driver upon demand. This will prevent the modprobe program from loading the usb-storage module, but will not prevent root (or another privileged program) from using the insmod/modprobe program to load the module manually. USB sticks containing harmful malware may be used to steal your personal data. It is not uncommon for USB sticks to be used to carry and transmit destructive malware and viruses to computers. The attacker can target MS-Windows, macOS (OS X), Android and Linux based system.
usb-storage driver
The usb-storage.ko is the USB Mass Storage driver for Linux operating system. You can see the file typing the following command:
# ls -l /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
All you have to do is disable or remove the usb-storage.ko driver to restrict to use USB devices on Linux such as:
- USB keyboards
- USB mice
- USB pen drive
- USB hard disk
- Other USB block storage
How to forbid to use USB-storage devices on using fake install method
Type the following command under CentOS or RHEL 5.x or older:
# echo 'install usb-storage : ' >> /etc/modprobe.conf
Please note that you can use : a shell builtin or /bin/true.
Type the following command under CentOS or RHEL 6.x/7.x or newer (including the latest version of Fedora):
# echo 'install usb-storage /bin/true' >> disable-usb-storage.conf
Save and close the file. Now the driver will not load. You can also remove USB Storage driver without rebooting the system, enter:
# modprobe -r usb-storage
# mv -v /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root/
##################
#### verify it ###
##################
# modinfo usb-storage
# lsmod | grep -i usb-storage
# lsscsi -H
Sample outputs:
Blacklist usb-storage
Edit /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf, enter:
# vi /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Edit or append as follows:
blacklist usb-storage
Save and close the file.
BIOS option
You can also disable USB from system BIOS configuration option. Make sure BIOS is password protected. This is recommended option so that nobody can boot it from USB.
Encrypt hard disk
Linux supports the various cryptographic techniques to protect a hard disk, directory, and partition. See "Linux Hard Disk Encryption With LUKS [ cryptsetup Command ]" for more info.
Grub option
You can get rid of all USB devices by disabling kernel support for USB via GRUB. Open grub.conf or menu.lst and append "nousb" to the kernel line as follows (taken from RHEL 5.x):
kernel /vmlinuz-2.6.18-128.1.1.el5 ro root=LABEL=/ console=tty0 console=ttyS1,19200n8 nousb
Make sure you remove any other reference to usb-storage in the grub or grub2 config files. Save and close the file. Once done just reboot the system:
# reboot
For grub2 use /etc/default/grub config file under Fedora / Debian / Ubuntu / RHEL / CentOS Linux. I strongly suggest that you read RHEL/CentOS grub2 config and Ubuntu/Debian grub2 config help pages.
34 comment
Someone with physical access to the computer can still easily transfer the “sensitive” files to another computer or enable the USB by using a bootable media. I would not bother with “protection” that does not protect.
I am using the same method to deny the access
Edit /etc/modprobe.conf
and added the entry
install usb_storage wall “Critical device malfunction! Drive will be formatted”
Save it
@Humberto Massa:
“…by using a bootable media” which is then secured against via disabling BIOS Boot Order (Floppy/USB/CD, then HDD, etc.)+BIOS password. One could maintain the USB bridge active, however.
It’s accepted fact the majority of data theft occurs fr in-house, disgruntled employees. This HOW-TO keeps USB abilities for admins, but locks out users.
Troll attempt fail. Go back to 4chan.
Can any one tell me how to get out of it means, I was able to disable the driver using the second option :
You can also remove USB Storage driver, enter:
# ls /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
# mv /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root
But now I do not know how to enable it back
Copy back driver and load drive into system:
I am using this command but Usb not blocking & when i put the pen drive is laptop showing the all files & folders.
what i will do ?
insert the module by using insmod command.
insmod /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/
modprobe usb-storage.ko
Thanks Mohan,
I will definitely try that out and let u know …..
Thanks alot again for the help.
dear sir,
how to disable pendrive in domain user ? please give me replay
This works great!
This only works but after I restart my Lucid Lynx, the USB device storage is mounted again on the desktop.
I’ve already tried.
sudo gedit /etc/rc.local/
sudo rmmod usb_storage
sudo modprobe -r usb_storage
echo ‘install usb-storage : ‘ >> /etc/modprobe.conf
ls /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
mv /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root
How do I really unmount it?
Nothing works for me!!!
what OS & version is yours?
if ubuntu only what you have to do is:
ls /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
mv /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root
reboot
after that you may check “dmsg” for any bugs accruing
Hi JAS, yes I’ve tried what you said, to REBOOT, but try this:
*assuming you’ve already DISABLED USB Storage Device AutoMount in Lucid Lynx*
1. Turn OFF computer
2. Insert any USB Storage Device
3. Turn ON computer & boot to your desktop
4. Wala! USB Storage Device is alive & kicking in there!
Nevermind, I solved it by:
sudo gconf-editor
Uncheck & Set As Default:
apps>nautilus>preferences>media_automount
Thanks. :)
After sometime, none of this still worked for me, I tried to mount a Seagate USB external Hard Disk, and somehow it MOUNTED!
Ubuntu, what a shame.
So I though of a quick and dirty fix.
sudo chmod 000 /media
Try to mount your media you suckers. I kid, I kid.
thanks… your command is very helpfull me
thanks
So I guess, it’s a little TOO Extreme to 000 /media entirely.
Finally, after reading a lot of tutorials and howto’s. vivitek can you update your post. Really, this tutorial doesn’t work for me.
As it turns out, try leaving your usb device storage in your computer port and reboot, see that it will automount even though you’ve removed usb-storage.ko.
After further investigation, I found out the reason why, when I boot, I noticed usb_storage module is still Loaded, dunno, where the kernel gets it from, since I already removed it as stated in this tutorial.
Check it for yourself:
lsmod | grep usb
So I just inserted rmmod usb_storage in the /rc.local of my Ubuntu so it doesn’t get a module upon insertion, of course, remove also the usb-storage.ko from your kernel, beware, upon kernel NEW INSTALL, it will be back there again. So lock your kernel versions!
Whew.
Hope this is my final solution. Thanks.
Hey thanks.. it works for me !!
thanks! but i cant disable usb storage with this way! i use debian, please help me! :-s
mv …. dont work!
sorry……
by just moving /lib/modules/2.6.18-164.el5/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko to /root doesnt work…..
i think there is something more to do……..
pls do rply if anyone has a sugession……..
ah… alas i found some simple way to get through…
For disabling using cmd——————————————
jst move the modules to some other location other than the default..
#mv /lib/modules/2.6.18-164.el5/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root(or to any other place)
this is for mass storage blocking….
for blocking other usb connections like netsetter etc use the cmd below
#mv /lib/modules/2.6.18-164.el5/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko /root
2.6.18-164.el5 is my kernal version.. u could view ur version by #uname -r
For enabling—– do he revrse! bring the file back
#mv /root/usb-storage.ko /lib/modules/2.6.18-164.el5/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko
#mv /root/usbserial.ko /lib/modules/2.6.18-164.el5/kernel/drivers/usb/serial/usbserial.ko
After that type #modprobe -a usbserial
#modprobe -a usb_storage
————————SIMPLEST WAY IS TO BLOCK in GRUB——————————
Open the /etc/grub.conf and edit the kernal line and insert ‘nousb’
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.18-164.el5 ro root=LABEL=/ nousb rhgb quiet
#reboot
and U’r done……….
wen u need to enable just edit and remove ‘nousb’ and reboot
———————————ThankYou————————————————————–
Hey Ganesh, thanks.. Its working.. I think u have vast knowledge in linux. I would like to know more about linux.. how can i contact u??
thnk u arun…..
do keep in touch…. post your doubts here……
we’l do the bst to slve them…….
hi, guys.
to remove the driver, move it
# mv /lib/modules/$(uname -r)/kernel/drivers/usb/storage/usb-storage.ko /root
and update the initramfs
# update-initramfs -k all -c -v
after updating initramfs , surelly it will not reapear.
reboot
Worked for me using Grub Method ,it worked perfectly and i think it disabled also the USB Power ,cuz im not seeing Led’s lighted in my keyboard.
hey, i m using fedora & i want to block all the USB’s & give access to a particular usb device..
I tried changin kernel entries using grub command but it is completely blocking all the usbs
can anyone help me?
#block only local user not a root
sudo chmod 700 /media
Best and more elegant solution of all.
thnk u dennis
i tried mv command to disable the usb.it worked but when i try to enable it using modprobe usb-storage or insmod command it fails.gives me warning with the previous as depreciated config file /etc/modprobe.conf ,all config files belong in /etc/modprobe.d
what to do?plz help me.its urgent
None of these work, is there no proper site for Linux commands
I dont have that modprobe.conf file in my etc folder.
[[email protected] ~]$ ls /etc/ | grep -i modprobe
modprobe.d
[[email protected] ~]$ ls /etc/modprobe.d/
blacklist.conf disable-ipv6.conf dist-oss.conf iwlagn.conf
blacklist-kvm.conf dist-alsa.conf ibm-sound.conf iwlwifi.conf
blacklist-toshiba_acpi.conf dist.conf iwl3945.conf
nousb in Grub is great except when the server has a usb keyboard like Dell’s.