As Chrome OS computers are being released with Thunderbolt 4 / USB4 ports, many are connecting these to popular docking stations and hubs such as the TS3 Plus, Thunderbolt 3 Mini Docks, and Element Hub. Users may find that when they connect these Thunderbolt products to their computers, they will be unable to use some interfaces before disabling “data access protection for peripherals” (for a step by step guide to this, please use this knowledge base article). In this article, we will discuss what data access protection guards against in regards to our products and which products this process affects.

“Data access protection” in Chrome OS restricts PCIe devices from being accessed by the user, for example, PCIe-to-USB and PCIe-to-Ethernet controllers behind the Thunderbolt dock. This is done for security purposes as PCIe controllers have direct memory access and therefore can be used maliciously to harm your data if someone with ill-intent has access to your data on your computer through route. With this in mind, Chrome OS comes with data access protection turned ON by default for users who have little chance of using PCIe devices and requires an Administrator to log onto the computer to disable this feature. Once disabled, the user may opt to re-enable this at any time.

Different CalDigit products may or may not be affected by this setting, based on the docking station or hub’s use of PCIe controllers.

The following table shows the products which require “Data access protection for peripherals” to be turned OFF before they can function properly.

The following products are NOT affected by “Data access protection for peripherals” when it is turned ON by default.

For more information please see the following two articles:

Google Help Center: Connect your Chromebook to Thunderbolt & USB4 accessories

Connecting a Thunderbolt Docking Station to Chrome OS Computer