What solution is best for reducing management costs and preventing external data copying on desktops?

Implementing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) while disabling hardware access from the thin client is a highly effective solution for reducing management costs and preventing external data copying on desktops.

With VDI, the desktop environment is hosted on a centralized server rather than on individual local devices. This setup allows for easier management of user desktops since updates, patches, and configurations can be deployed centrally. By disabling hardware access—specifically access to USB drives and other external storage devices—organizations can significantly reduce the risk of sensitive data being copied and transferred outside the secure environment. This control helps maintain data integrity and security, aligning with best practices in data management.

Choosing to train employees on data management policies would be beneficial for awareness and compliance, but it doesn’t directly prevent external data copying, as employees may still find ways to transfer data despite their training. Allowing USB drives in conjunction with VDI would simultaneously introduce security vulnerabilities, undermining the goal of protecting data. Switching to cloud-based applications can offer flexibility and scalability, but it doesn't inherently address hardware access controls on local devices and may introduce new management challenges.