We often spend a fortune to secure your computers from unseen invaders like worms, viruses and Trojans and forget the obvious which is a crucial step in computer and IT safety.
Many computer workstations are left unsecure including mobile devices like laptops. It is wise to take care of computers especially in a work environment. Anyone can walk in and out of these environments without notice. Moreover businesses rely more and more upon their servers and often these are not secure, which if stole could cripple a business and potentially leave them in a dire state.
There are various ways to secure computers from theft and burglary. Most will depend on the structure of your work place and the premises being somewhat secure. They can also be applied in a home setting for safety. Computers and servers may contain a lot of sensitive financial information which could mean serious implications when one or parts of it are stolen, so it is imperative this is addressed.
We have outlined some simple yet essential areas that should be addressed by all businesses.
Install an alarm system
It is wise to install an alarm system on the building hosting the computers. This will trigger any disturbances, break in and prowlers. These systems will go a long way to ensure that the building access is limited at night or off work hours. Engage a good system with effective response time. You can also install radial alarms. These are installed in computers and cannot be triggered within a certain radius. They are much more preferable because computers can be moved within the same building for meetings and presentations. The radius designated will be triggered off if any machine passes the threshold.
Computer locking systems
Computer locking systems will physically secure your computers to their stations and essentially safe guard your company’s key assets to the table or floor. Consult you IT department and advise them to buy lockable desks. These desks are comfortable to work with and can be securely locked when the computers are not being used.
Computers also come with slots that can be used as supports for locking and act as a type of computer safe while also allowing the computer to be used. They can be securely locked to their stations and Laptops can be attached to locking devices for the same purpose. These are more effective especially in crowded work situations.
Secure the building
Keep the room with the computers secure after work hours. The doors and the windows should be strong enough to sustain impact and lock picking. If you are a larger business then the premises room could also be guarded with a night guard.
Install trackers
Install computer trackers as these can be observed and controlled within a central point. The trackers should be reliable and free from any interruptions. Sometimes people can be tempted to buy cheaper trackers, however these can have weaker signals and could potentially malfunction when they are needed the most – so buy wisely.
Software
Many businesses have a whole host of very valuable software packages that have multi licenses stored with the disks. These can sometimes cost thousands of dollars, so it is essential they are locked up securely in business approved safes that are bolted to the floor. Again this can be over looked and many businesses store these valuable software collections in a simply lock and key cabinet and ignore the need for a secure safe altogether.
It is wise to be extra careful with computers that store sensitive information. This means that you can vamp up your security in terms of levels depending on what the computer holds. Keep the workers on alert for any suspicious activities at the work place. CCTVs will also help in containing valuable evidence and keep prowlers away and this should be controlled centrally and securely.
Jonathan is working on behalf of Gurdall who specialise in safes in Sydney, Melbourne and all the other major cities.
