The use of personal peripherals on DWAN equipment when teleworking

April 23, 2020 – Defence Stories

Due to the increased use of telework in the DND/CAF, it is recognized that teleworkers want the option to connect personal peripheral equipment into their portable DWAN computer, while teleworking, for reasons of productivity and/or ergonomics. This is prohibited by default. However, some low risk exceptions are listed below. It should be noted that personal devices, regardless of being authorized or not, are not supported by DND/CAF service desks and may not function appropriately when connected to a DND/CAF IT system. The WIRED connection of personal smart phones, tablets, printers, faxes, storage devices, cameras and similar devices is strictly prohibited (See FAQ on Phones, Tablets, and LTE devices for further information on exceptions with regard to WIRELESS connectivity)

For the DWAN systems, the following restrictions apply:

  1. Monitor: VGA, HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort connections are permitted from the monitor to the DWAN computer. A television (including a Smart TV) is considered a monitor for the purpose of this security policy statement.
  2. Headphones: 3.5mm audio connector permitted.
  3. Other peripheral equipment: Not permitted at this time

P.S. It is strongly recommended that, in any above-listed situation that is authorized, users must exercise the best security awareness practices that they have been trained on. The need must be eminent to use the required connectivity option and, the isolation of the connected device from any connectivity other than the display connection, is necessary.

Device Connecting to DWAN Computer USB connection Other considerations
Phones and LTE Devices(MIFI) DND/GC issued NO Mobile hotspot may be used to connect DWAN laptop with DVPNI
Personally owned NO Mobile hotspot may be used to connect DWAN laptop with DVPNI
USB storage and thumb drives DND-issued and authorized YES -
Personally Owned NO -
Mouse & keyboard DND-issued YES Wireless mouse may be authorized in specific cases by DWAN ISSO.
Personally Owned YES
(Wired Keyboards only. Unsupported models may not work)
Temporary use of RF Remote dongle for presentation (clicker/mouse only) is authorized.
Monitor and Projector DND-issued YES VGA, HDMI, other with RFC
Personally Owned NO VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, & DVI connection to DWAN Laptops is authorized
Printers DND-issued YES Printer Cables are also used. Specific RFC may also apply.
Personally Owned NO -
Other Removable Media and USB Peripherics (Speakers, Music Players, Camera, Webcam, Headphones, Etc.) DND-issued YES (authorization required.) -
Personally Owned NO 3.5mm audio connector are authorized (non-recording device)

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