When connecting a USB device to a remote computer that is shared by two or more users, you may want to prevent others from connecting to your device.


Starting from version 6.0, FlexiHub offers a new device isolation option that enables access to the selected device based on a particular session ID or user account information. 


While working in a multi-user environment, you can now make your device inaccessible for other user sessions or other local, domain, or Microsoft user accounts.

 

In order to utilize the device isolation functionality, it’s required to install the FlexiHub Device Isolation Components on the computer to which the device is going to be connected remotely. 


To do this, check the box “Install Device Isolation Components” when installing the software on the remote machine:



Note: There’s no need to install the Device Isolation Components on the computer to which the USB device is connected physically. 


Per-session device isolation

FlexiHub allows you to isolate a USB or COM-port device connected to a remote shared computer so it’s not visible or available in other user sessions. 


To isolate your device from other sessions, take the following steps:

  1. Install FlexiHub on your local computer with the device connected directly; 

  2. Start the application and log in to your FlexiHub account;

Once logged in, the device will become available for remote connection over the Internet.

  1. Install the application on the Terminal Server (or the computer from which you want to access the shared device remotely);

  1. Log in to your FlexiHub account;

  2. Locate the required device in the list of devices that can be connected remotely and right-click the device name to open a context menu;

  3. Select the Only for current session option:



Once connected, the device status will indicate the name of the session that has access to the device:



When the session is ended, the device will be automatically disconnected from the remote computer.


Note: In case multiple sessions for the same user are run, a device connected in one session will not be available in all other sessions of this user.


Per-user device isolation


You can isolate your USB device from other users when connecting it to a shared remote machine. The isolated device will be available for access on the remote computer only in your user account.


To enable per-user device isolation, do as follows:

  1. Repeat steps 1- 5 mentioned above;

  2. Select the Only for current user account option from the drop-down menu:



Once connected, the device status will indicate the name of the user that has access to the device:



Note: If you select the Only for current session or Only for current user account option on a remote computer that doesn’t have the FlexiHub Device Isolation Components installed, you will be prompted to install them to be able to access the device isolation functionality:



Note: The list of USB devices supported by the device isolation feature includes (but is not limited to): USB flash drives, external hard drives, 3D mice, webcams, printers, scanners, audio cards, and USB microphones.


Add isolation options to the Connect button


By default, the ‘Connect’ button does not include any additional options. However, it’s possible to enable the isolation options to be displayed in the drop-down menu when using the ‘Connect’ button.


To add the isolation options, select View > ‘Connect’ button with device isolation menu from the main menu:



Once enabled, the isolation options will be available for selection every time you click the “Connect” button for the required device:



To disable this option, you should select View from the main menu and click ‘Connect’ button with device isolation menu again to uncheck the option.


Note: The device isolation feature is available in FlexiHub for Windows 8.1 / Windows Server 2012 R2 and later.