Computer hardware - security issues

Site securityYou should check the physical security of your premises, concentrating on access through windows and doors. You can improve the physical security of desktop PCs by using devices such as metal cages and anchoring devices, making them more difficult to remove.

Laptop securityLaptops should always be equipped with security cables and securely locked away when not in use. Mobile workers should be particularly careful not to leave their laptops in their cars or in other exposed places. Laptop users should ensure they choose secure passwords - ideally a random collection of letters and numbers. Users should also change their passwords regularly.

Security markingYou should security-mark all significant items of computer hardware, using special pens or embossed labels. Allocate serial numbers to all of your hardware and keep a record of these numbers.Secure data backupWhile the theft of hardware is inconvenient, you can replace it. However, the loss of a PC or server also means you may have lost potentially critical business data. Therefore it is important to take security measures for both hardware and data, eg by backing the data up in a second location.


Power supply backupAn uninterruptible power supply will make sure that your key components, such as servers and network components, will continue to operate for a short time even if there is a power cut. This will give you time to shut systems down in an orderly fashion.Surge protectors are another useful security device. These prevent damage to your hardware from voltage spikes in the mains supply, eg from lightning strikes.