Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

[CMH]

Do they exist?

Are there hard drives (or possibly a way I can edit settings) that I can copy content onto and then restrict that content from being copied unless a password is provided?

I can't completely lock out the drive either. People will need to access the information from it, but I want to stop them from being able to copy the content or manipulate it in any way.

Anyone know?

[e0820]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

If external hard drives were read only then how would you get files on them initially?

I think you can lock down the files with Windows Server 2003 Rights Management.

Here is an example
[A CEO needs to send an e-mail message that contains confidential information about an upcoming reorganization to his executive staff. In Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, he selects a template to specify that recipients can only read the e-mail message, and that they cannot copy, paste, edit, or forward the information. The recipients receive the e-mail message in Outlook 2003, with the usage policies automatically applied to the message. The CEO has a new level of confidence that this sensitive information will be viewed only by his executive staff.]

Not sure if this only applies to files that are on a corporate network (which would make sense) We have sent outside companies emails with this enabled, so thats why I assume that maybe it can lock down files that can access the server with this enabled.

[mgoblue]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Isn't copying technically using read only permissions? I copy something from a HD and all I need is read, don't need write or other permissions. I read it, and save it to my HD....

[CMH]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

If external hard drives were read only then how would you get files on them initially?

I think you can lock down the files with Windows Server 2003 Rights Management.

Here is an example
[A CEO needs to send an e-mail message that contains confidential information about an upcoming reorganization to his executive staff. In Microsoft Office Outlook 2003, he selects a template to specify that recipients can only read the e-mail message, and that they cannot copy, paste, edit, or forward the information. The recipients receive the e-mail message in Outlook 2003, with the usage policies automatically applied to the message. The CEO has a new level of confidence that this sensitive information will be viewed only by his executive staff.]

Not sure if this only applies to files that are on a corporate network (which would make sense) We have sent outside companies emails with this enabled, so thats why I assume that maybe it can lock down files that can access the server with this enabled.

This is the same thing that LaCie and Western Digital suggested to me, but it won't work in my scenario.

I'll breakdown what we're trying to do in simple terms:

We have licensed material on hard drives.

In an effort to spread our license across several events, teams of performers will be issued the materials.

We want to ensure that these performers are not able to take the files from the hard drive and then copy it into their own system.

It could also potentially put us out of business.

[CMH]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Isn't copying technically using read only permissions? I copy something from a HD and all I need is read, don't need write or other permissions. I read it, and save it to my HD....

I'm probably using the wrong wording to describe what I'm looking for.

I want to prevent copying of the files onto another HD.

[mgoblue]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

No clue then, sorry...maybe there's some software out there that does it? Maybe prevent use of USB drives (assuming all these machines are just on their own?)? no idea otherwise

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Can't you just have them sign legal documents saying there is a huge fine (millions of dollars) if the materials are copied and distributed? Otherwise, I wouldn't know.

[pfunk880]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Can't you just have them sign legal documents saying there is a huge fine (millions of dollars) if the materials are copied and distributed? Otherwise, I wouldn't know.

Yeah, that's probably the best bet. I can't think of anything from a technical standpoint.

[CMH]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

That's what we've pretty much done.

But there's always someone out there that wants to test the waters. We'll see what happens.

Seriously, I'm shocked that such a drive doesn't exist. No one desires a drive like I described?

[GAMEC0CK2002]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

That's what we've pretty much done.

But there's always someone out there that wants to test the waters. We'll see what happens.

Seriously, I'm shocked that such a drive doesn't exist. No one desires a drive like I described?

But unless you are with said person 24/7 who's to say they don't just use a video recorder or digital camera. Some people will try to pull a fast one no matter how much safety protocol you put in place.

Just have to have stiff punishment (fines, prison time) in place if they try it.

[mvb34]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Have thought about using Encrypting File System ??

[mgoblue]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

That's what we've pretty much done.

But there's always someone out there that wants to test the waters. We'll see what happens.

Seriously, I'm shocked that such a drive doesn't exist. No one desires a drive like I described?

Are these on computers you can lock down? When I did a quick search i saw that people suggested blocking USB drive connection, so if it's a computer you can lock down (maybe install software that blocks stuff like that) then there'd be no way for them to connect a drive to copy to...

[pfunk880]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Are these on computers you can lock down? When I did a quick search i saw that people suggested blocking USB drive connection, so if it's a computer you can lock down (maybe install software that blocks stuff like that) then there'd be no way for them to connect a drive to copy to...

That could work... there's still the possibility of trying to copy to a remote location over the Internet but that would be tough if we are talking about big files (plus you can always keep an eye on the network activity and traffic).

[CMH]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

That would work but these drives are being rented out. There is no network connection or power for us to limit access through some other configuration. The only way to impede the user from making copies is to password protect the drive, but that does no good because the drives are being rented so the files could be used.

The only solution is a contract. Someone will try something but they'll face some stiff penalties if we catch them, I guess.

[CMH]

Re: Tech Savvy: Read-Only External Hard Drives

Have thought about using Encrypting File System ??

A potential issue I see with that is the files need to be used in their working state.

We can't mess with the data or lock access to the data in any way because everyone that's using these drives needs that data to work as is.