Top 6 Device Control Software

Device control solutions are often offered alongside features like Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) to address a wide range of security needs. Our analysis compares six solutions based on feature sets, integration capabilities, and user feedback from B2B review platforms.

Comparison of the top 6 device control software solutions

Features comparison (Part 1):

Features comparison (part 2):

List of common device control software features and key criteria for comparison.

Ranking: The sponsored products at the top are ranked by the number of features.

Market presence criteria comparison for device control software

* Data gathered from leading B2B review platforms.

How we selected the vendors for the comparison.

Analysis of the top device control vendors

We list the pros and cons based on:

• Differentiating features.
• User experience focusing on device control features (From leading B2B review platforms). 
• Findings & insights from AIMultiple’s DLP benchmark tests.

1. NinjaOne MDM

NinjaOne offers solutions such as remote monitoring and management (RMM), mobile device management (MDM), and a device control solution.

Pros:

• Easy Setup & Centralized Portal: Simple to deploy with an intuitive centralized management interface.
• Strong Remote Capabilities: Supports remote monitoring and management, making it ideal for distributed teams.
• iOS 26/macOS Support: Supports seamless MDM migration in iOS/iPadOS 26 and macOS Tahoe without requiring device factory resets.
• Geolocation Tracking: Release 7.0 introduced location tracking for mobile devices and patching capabilities for iOS and iPadOS.
• Free Trial: Offers users a chance to test the solution before committing.

Cons:

• Policy Implementation Lag: Policy enforcement could be more immediate.
• Limited Customization in Reports: Report customization could be expanded to support specific use cases.

Choose NinjaOne MDM to secure, monitor, and manage all your mobile devices with ease.

2. Netwrix Endpoint Protector

Netwrix Endpoint Protector is a fast-growing company that offers a data loss prevention solution focusing on device control. Our analysis and testing indicate that it offers the most device-control capabilities among its competitors. It also offers a USB-blocking tool in its product line.

Pros:

• Device Coverage: Supports over 30 device types, including USB drives, printers, and Bluetooth devices.
• Effective USB Blocking: Strong capabilities for blocking external devices, with real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive dashboard simplifies monitoring and management.
• AI Protection: Features DLP for LLMs to block sensitive data sharing with ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and other generative AI tools.

Cons:

• Policy Refresh Delays: Some lag in policy enforcement, though this is adjustable for faster updates.
• Trial Access: You need to contact sales for a free trial, which can be inconvenient.

3. Falcon Device Control by CrowdStrike

Falcon Device Control by CrowdStrike provides control over USB devices and peripherals, helping organizations mitigate risks from malware and data exfiltration. Built on the Falcon platform, it can be integrated with CrowdStrike’s other security tools, like Falcon Insight.

Pros:

• Cloud-Delivered Solution: No additional hardware or agents required, simplifying deployment.
• Integration with Falcon Suite: Seamlessly integrates with CrowdStrike’s other security tools for a comprehensive security ecosystem.

Cons:

• Limited Device Control Features: Lacks advanced capabilities such as USB encryption and location awareness compared with other solutions.
• Requires Additional Modules: Certain features, such as comprehensive endpoint protection, require integration with other CrowdStrike solutions.
• Recent Security Patches: Two medium-severity vulnerabilities in Windows sensors were patched (macOS and Linux unaffected).

4. DriveLock

Owned by DriveLock SE, DriveLock is an endpoint security solution, with device control being one of its main offerings. Its device control product includes managing and restricting access to external devices, such as USB drives, printers, and other peripherals, to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.

Pros:

• Wide Device Control: Comprehensive features including USB drive blocking and device whitelisting.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Built on Zero Trust principles with the HYPERSECURE Platform. ¹
• Industry Recognition: Recognized in the ISG Provider Len Cyber Security – Solutions & Services.
• Free Trial: Available for organizations to evaluate its effectiveness before purchasing.

Cons:

• Limited Market Presence: Few user reviews make it difficult to gauge its effectiveness in real-world deployments.
• Weak Reporting Features: Lacks advanced reporting functionalities seen in some competitors.

5. DeviceLock by Acronis

DeviceLock by Acronis is primarily a device control solution designed to prevent unauthorized data transfers via peripheral devices such as USB drives. It also includes broader data loss prevention features, such as monitoring network communications and content to safeguard against data leaks and insider threats​.

Pros:

• Modular Design: Can be tailored to specific needs by adding or removing modules.
• Security Features: Includes network communication monitoring, access control, and USB blocking.

Cons:

• Complex Licensing: The modular structure can be overwhelming, especially for smaller businesses.
• Limited User Reviews: Not enough market feedback to fully assess the solution’s long-term reliability.

6. ManageEngine Device Control Plus

ManageEngine Device Control Plus is distinguished by its device management features, including real-time inventory tracking and seamless integration with existing IT systems.

Pros:

• Integrated Management: Works well with other IT management tools.
• Extensive Policy-Based Controls: Provide detailed rules governing device access and use.
• Comprehensive Reporting: Provides insights for proactive risk management.

Cons:

• Limited Advanced Encryption: Lacks built-in USB encryption found in some competitors.
• Initial Setup Complexity: May require additional configuration to optimize performance.

Common features checklist

Here is a list of common features that a good device control solution should have:

1. Policy-based device control: Automatically enforces security rules based on predefined policies for device usage.
2. Whitelist/blacklist device management: Allows or denies specific devices based on a trusted or restricted device list.
3. Real-time activity monitoring: Tracks and displays device usage in real time, enabling immediate responses to potential threats.
4. Strong reporting: Provides clear visibility through reports on usage, applied policies, compliant and non-compliant clients, policy violations, and security issues.
5. Device coverage: Ensures control over devices such as USB drives, printers, and other peripherals.
6. File transfer control: Manages and restricts file transfers between devices to prevent unauthorized data movement.
7. Device encryption: Encrypts data on devices, such as USB drives, to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
8. Remote wiping and management: Allows IT teams to remotely manage devices, including data erasure, from any location.
9. Script execution on clients: Enables automated tasks or security checks by running scripts on connected devices for enhanced control.
10. User behavior analytics: Detects anomalies in user behavior to enhance cybersecurity and identify potential threats.
11. Device backup & recovery: Ensures regular or on-demand backups and allows recovery of critical device data when needed.
12. Isolated work environment on personal devices: Creates a secure, isolated area on personal phones/devices, allowing access to company resources without providing company-owned devices, a key differentiator for MDM solutions.
13. Application control/application whitelisting: This limits device access to approved apps, blocking unauthorized ones.

Key Criteria for Comparison

We’ve evaluated these solutions based on several core features that are critical to effective device control:

• SIEM Integration: Integration with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools to centralize monitoring and threat detection.
• Device Inventory Tracking: Enables organizations to track devices in real-time, ensuring security and compliance by monitoring device status and authentication details.
• Location Awareness: Adapts device policies based on physical location, such as enforcing security measures when devices are outside corporate premises.
• Remote & Temporary Access: Allows administrators to grant or restrict temporary access to devices remotely, enhancing flexibility without compromising security.
• Activity Reports & Audits: Provides visibility into device usage and security incidents through detailed reports, helping administrators identify potential risks and ensure compliance.
• USB and Peripheral Device Blocking: Prevents unauthorized devices from connecting, minimizing the risk of data leakage or malware.
• Device Tagging & Grouping: Organizes devices into categories for simplified management and policy application, making it easier to apply different rules based on device type or location.
• Bluetooth Support: Controls and monitors Bluetooth connections to prevent unauthorized access.

Vendor selection criteria

• Number of reviews: The number of reviews is correlated with the product’s availability and popularity. Plentiful reviews help understand the customer experience, and higher reviewer counts yield more accurate ratings.
• User rating: Customers rate different aspects of the product on B2B review platforms, such as its general purpose, usability, functionality, customer support, payment terms, etc., and the review platform aggregates these scores into an average score. A lower user rating indicates lower satisfaction, and vice versa.
• Number of employees: The number of employees provides an indication of the vendor’s human capital, financial position, research and development investments, and market position. We chose vendors with 50+ employees.
• Focus: All vendors selected for the comparison focus on device control solutions.

FAQs

Further reading

• Top 10 RMM Software
• Top 5 Endpoint Management Software
• USB Blocking Software Solutions

Reference Links

1.

Get to know DriveLock at the Swiss Cyber Security Days

Technical Advisor

Adil Hafa

Technical Advisor

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Adil is a security expert with over 16 years of experience in defense, retail, finance, exchange, food ordering and government.

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Researched by

Sena Sezer

Industry Analyst

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Sena is an industry analyst in AIMultiple. She completed her Bachelor's from Bogazici University.

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