Which of the following personally owned peripherals can you use with government furnished equipment (GFE)?
A. A monitor connected via USB
B. A USB hub
C. A Bluetooth headset
D. A wired keyboard that requires installed drivers
Answer: The correct answer is B. A USB hub.
Explanation:
Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) is subject to strict security policies to prevent data breaches, malware infections, and unauthorized access. According to cybersecurity standards such as NIST Special Publication 800-171 and DoD security guidelines, personally owned peripherals must meet the following criteria to be used with GFE:
✔ They must not require driver installations (to prevent unauthorized software execution).
✔ They must not process, store, or transmit data (to avoid security risks).
✔ They must not introduce wireless connectivity (to prevent unauthorized access).
Analysis of Each Option:
A. A monitor connected via USB → ❌ Not Allowed.
USB monitors require drivers and can enable data transfer, creating potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Most agencies prohibit USB display connections for personally owned devices.B. A USB hub → ✅ Allowed.
A USB hub is a passive device that only expands available ports. Since it does not store, process, or transmit data, it does not pose a security risk. This aligns with government cybersecurity best practices.C. A Bluetooth headset → ❌ Not Allowed.
Wireless peripherals, including Bluetooth headsets, introduce risks of unauthorized data interception and leakage. Government agencies explicitly prohibit personally owned wireless devices with GFE.D. A wired keyboard that requires installed drivers → ❌ Not Allowed.
Any peripheral requiring driver installation poses a risk of introducing unverified software that could contain malware or vulnerabilities. Only pre-approved plug-and-play devices are generally permitted.
Conclusion:
Per cybersecurity regulations, the only personally owned peripheral typically allowed for use with GFE is B. A USB hub because it does not require drivers, does not store/transmit data, and does not pose a cybersecurity threat.
For official guidance, refer to your agency’s IT security policy or frameworks such as NIST 800-171 and DoD Cybersecurity Regulations to ensure compliance.
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