Ransomware in the Workplace: What to Do?
Ransomware attacks are increasing in the UK and no organisation is immune, regardless of size or sector. So how can you reduce the chances of being hit? Tyrex shares some…
UK government agencies and their partners in the defence sector are primary targets for sophisticated cyber attacks. While network security is robust, a critical and often underestimated vulnerability persists: the use of removable media. Devices like USB drives can bypass even the most advanced digital perimeters, creating a physical bridge across the “air gap” that is meant to protect our most sensitive systems. Effective government cybersecurity, therefore, demands a hardware-enforced approach that neutralises threats at the point of entry. Tyrex specialises in military-grade USB decontamination stations, engineered to secure data transfer and protect critical networks in line with stringent UK and NATO compliance standards.
Stay Secure
The Hidden Threat: Why USBs Bypass Traditional Defences
In high-security environments, the concept of an “air-gapped” network—one that is physically isolated from unsecured networks like the internet—is a foundational security principle. However, the operational need to transfer data, updates, or instructions often creates an informal, high-risk process known as a “sneakernet,” where files are physically carried between systems on a USB drive. This practice introduces a significant threat vector that traditional cybersecurity measures are not equipped to handle.
Software-based antivirus solutions, while essential, can be disabled or may fail to detect novel, zero-day threats or sophisticated firmware-level attacks like BadUSB. A malicious device introduced into a secure environment can lead to a catastrophic data breach, disrupt vital public services, or compromise national security. State-sponsored actors are acutely aware of this vulnerability and actively exploit it. A hardware-based solution, situated at the physical entry point to a secure network, is the only method to ensure every device is clean before it poses a risk.
Key Takeaways
The Problem
Removable media like USB drives are a primary vector for malware attacks on secure government and defence networks, bypassing software-only defences.
The Risk
A single infected device can lead to a breach of classified data, disruption of critical national infrastructure, and a significant threat to national security.
The Solution
A dedicated hardware decontamination station, or “sheep dip,” that physically isolates, scans, and cleans every USB device before it connects to a critical system.
Trusted by over 30,000 Partners
A New Standard for Secure File Transfer for Government Cybersecurity
Tyrex delivers a hardware-enforced security solution that acts as the final and most definitive line of defence. Unlike software that can be bypassed, our physical stations mandate that every USB device undergoes a comprehensive decontamination process. This approach establishes a trusted and auditable workflow for secure file transfer for government agencies, transforming a point of weakness into a position of strength.
Our technology is built on a principle of multi-layered scanning. By utilising seven different engines (five anti-virus and two anti-malware) simultaneously, Tyrex offers unparalleled protection against both known and unknown threats. This intensive analysis ensures that even deeply embedded or polymorphic threats are identified and neutralised before a device is approved for use. It is a fundamental shift from simply scanning for threats to actively decontaminating the media, providing complete peace of mind.
Meeting UK and International Compliance Standards
Adherence to stringent cybersecurity mandates is non-negotiable in the government and defence sectors. Tyrex solutions are specifically engineered to help UK organisations meet and exceed these rigorous requirements. By creating a full, unalterable audit trail of all file and media activity, our stations provide the verifiable evidence needed to satisfy auditors and internal security policies.
Tyrex helps facilitate compliance with standards such as:
UK Defence Cyber Protection Partnership (DCPP)
Cyber Essentials Plus
This guide is authored by the cybersecurity specialists at Tyrex, who have protected Forbes 2000 companies and critical UK & European infrastructure for over six years.
Guarding Infrastructures
Enhancing Security in Practice: A UK Government Cybersecurity Use Case
Consider a UK defence contractor that needs to transfer vital schematic updates to a classified, air-gapped network used for developing military hardware. The traditional method—carrying a USB drive from an internet-connected development network to the secure zone—is fraught with risk. With a Tyrex station deployed, the process is transformed into a secure, controlled, and fully auditable workflow.
The table below illustrates the practical benefits of implementing a hardware-enforced security checkpoint in this scenario.
| Challenge | Without Tyrex | With Tyrex |
|---|---|---|
| File Transfer | A high-risk "sneakernet" process using unverified USB devices. | A fully audited, secure file transfer via a physical decontamination kiosk. |
| Air-Gapped Security | A critical security gap that can be easily bridged by a malicious USB. | A hardware-enforced isolation point that decontaminates all devices. |
| Compliance & Auditing | Inconsistent manual checks that are impossible to audit reliably. | Automated, detailed logging for every file transfer, ensuring full compliance. |
| Threat Detection | Reliant on endpoint software that may not detect advanced threats. | Multi-engine scanning that neutralises known and unknown malware. |
4500
Decontamination Stations Deployed
The Unmatched Power of TYREX: Measurable Success
Versatile Deployment for Any Government Facility
Recognising that security needs vary between sites, Tyrex solutions are available in multiple form factors. Our portable Tyrex Mobile units are ideal for fieldwork or rapid deployment scenarios, while our wall-mounted and console stations provide permanent, robust security checkpoints for data centres, secure rooms, and critical infrastructure facilities. This versatility ensures that every potential access point to your critical network is comprehensively protected.
Insertion
The user inserts the USB drive into the Tyrex station.
Threat Neutralisation
If malware is detected, Tyrex stations can be configured to neutralise the threat, quarantine infected files, or securely erase the drive's content.
Safe Usage
Once a device is certified clean by the Tyrex station, it can be safely used within the secure network environment.
This process occurs within a hardened, isolated hardware environment, ensuring that malware cannot bypass the scanning process or infect the station itself—a significant advantage over software-only solutions that run on potentially vulnerable host computers.
K-REX Console
The CONSOLE can be placed on a desk, which makes it convenient for any standard work environment. This USB media decontamination solution protects your critical infrastructures from cyber threats.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 10 inch HD screen
- Weight: 12kg
K-REX Totem
The TOTEM can be positionned on the floor, at the entrance of reception halls or in any public areas. This USB decontamination solution comprises a small platform to hold your hard drive during the antivirus scan.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 24 inch HD screen
- Weight: 54kg
K-REX Satallite
The SATELLITE USB decontamination station can be hung on a wall. It is particularly adapted to confined spaces such as ships or meeting rooms. With 5 anti-virus and 2 anti-malware running simultaneously, the SATELLITE is able to scan and clean your USB devices and prevent cyber threats or viruses from spreading through your information system.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired and offline
- 7 inch HD screen
- Weight: 6kg
K-REX Mobile
The MOBILE is a movable USB decontamination station. Ruggedized with the MIL-STD-810G and ATEX military standards, it is designed for environments requiring mobility. With up to 5 antivirus and 2 optional anti-malware scanners running simultaneously, it is able to scan any USB or removable devices and prevent malwares or viruses from spreading through your information system.
Features
- Available in 4G, 5G, WiFi, wired, offline and ATEX versions
- 10 inch HD screen
- Weight: 1.3kg
Secure Your Agency’s Critical Data Today
Protecting the UK’s government and defence data from USB-borne threats requires a dedicated, robust, and physical solution. Software alone is no longer enough. Tyrex provides the military-grade hardware, specialised expertise, and certified assurance needed to secure your organisation’s most sensitive digital assets.
Securing Every Sector
Who Benefits from Tyrex “Sheep Dip” Cyber Security?
Don’t let removable media be the Achilles’ heel of your cybersecurity posture. Tyrex USB protection solutions provide a robust, reliable, and user-friendly way to mitigate the risks associated with USB drives and other portable storage. By implementing our “white stations” or “sheep dip” cybersecurity kiosks, you add a critical layer of defence, ensuring that only clean, verified devices can access your valuable systems and data.
Defence and Government
Protecting classified networks and ensuring secure data transfer between different security domains. The term “sheep dip” is often used in this sector to describe USB scanning kiosks.
Critical National Infrastructure (CNI)
Safeguarding industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA environments, and operational technology (OT) in sectors like energy, water, and transportation from cyber-physical attacks initiated via USB.
Industrial Manufacturing
Preventing malware from halting production lines or compromising automated systems, especially where “sneaker-net” USB transfers are common for updates and data logging.
Oil, Gas and Maritime
Securing remote and often disconnected assets like offshore platforms, pipelines, and vessels, where USBs are frequently used by personnel and third-party contractors.
Enterprise IT & Finance
Protecting high-value corporate data, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and ISO 27001, and enforcing removable media policies effectively.
Numbers at a Glance
TYREX Protection in Numbers
250
Customers worldwide
5
Signature-based antivirus
37
of computer security threats (virus, worms, malware, trojans etc.) are created to spread through removable media
2
Anti-malware solutions
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