Physcially Securing A Computer

Theft of laptops, desktop computers, computer parts and peripherals is a growing problem. If you lose your computer, or any part of its system, you've lost more than the cost of the computer. You have lost your data. The hardware can be replaced, but the loss of data contained on the computer can be devastating.

There is a wide variety of solutions available to secure your computer, ranging from simple cable locking sytems to sophisticated type-tracing software that can locate a stolen computer when it is connected to the Internet. None of these are in themselves a complete solution; each addresses particular security risks. Therefore it is essential to select those solutions that are appropriate and proportionate to the value of the laptop equipment and data you need to protect. The key point is to look at the risks and determine what level of security makes sense to deploy.

We will first address how to secure desktops and related peripherals, then we will examine how to secure laptops. To obtain assistance in securing your desktop or laptop computer, contact your Department LAN Manager.

Desktops and Peripherals

At UTHSCH, the MSIT Group secures its computers and other peripherals with cables and locks. The cables and locks effectively secure the computers, laptops and monitors. One method that we use is to physically secure computers/monitors to desks using a cable/lock system from a vendor called TECHNO LOCK, which is then attached to a desk or wall or other heavy stationary object. In the pictures given below the circled red line shows the TECHNO LOCK plates that attach to the objects.

Here are a few pictures illustrating how a desktop computer might be secured against theft:

Laptops

Laptop computers owned by UT are usually secured with numbered locks as shown in the figures below. It is similar to a bicycle lock and features a long, plastic-covered steel cable with a loop located at one end and a numberkey-lock at the other end. The numberkey-lock end is secured to the laptop, while the loop is wrapped around a heavy stationary object, such as a large table or desk.

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