With our reliance on storing information on our computers and electronic gadgets, the worst thing that could happen is to have any of our expensive office equipment stolen. Not only does important information and data become lost or abused, but replacing such equipment might not be affordable. Here are five ways to keep your important appliances safe from theft.
Physical Security
The first thing that comes to mind is the physical security of expensive equipment, such as laptops and desktops.
1. Restricting Access
One easy way to keep office equipment safe is to restrict access to the office in the first place. Locking up a room when you will leave, even for a moment, is the first step to protect your items. If necessary, using key-card access systems can keep intruders from simply breaking a lock. Creating this first boundary will stop most thieves who are looking for an easy steal.
2. Cable locks and Lock Kits
The most popular way to keep them safe and secure are cable locks and lock kits that will anchor laptops, desktops and monitors to a desk or wall. There are also security cases and cable locks for smaller, expensive equipment, such as iPads. Make sure you mount these cords on immovable pieces in a room, like a wall. For smaller, expensive equipment, keeping items in a safe or locked drawer will also protect them.
Data Security
Physically securing your expensive equipment is only one part to the solution. If you are vigilant about securing your equipment, you must also take the necessary steps to protect entry and access into your system and data.
3. Passwords
Computer passwords at boot up or returning from sleep mode are one defense to keep your equipment safe. A secure password will discourage thieves to steal an item that can be rendered useless without a code.
Other options to a traditional alphanumeric passcode are to use fingerprinting technology or retina scanning. By limiting access to your equipment in the first place, unauthorized users will be discouraged from taking the time and effort to steal the equipment or its internal data in the first place.
4. Installing Anti-Theft Software
Pre-installing anti-theft software can help recover computers and gadgets in case they become stolen. While there are other ways to track computers (IP addresses for example), software like Computrace’sLoJack for Laptops installs on the computer’s firmware and can still be traced, even after a reformat or re-installation.
5. Back-Up Data
In the worst-case scenario that a computer is stolen and impossible to retrieve, keeping a separate backup of all data is important. By knowing what sensitive data was taken, you can respond quickly to shutting down accounts and securing your identity. Using a cloud service or external drives are secure ways to keep a backup of internal data safe.
Conclusion
Keeping your expensive office equipment does not have to be a hassle. With constant planning and assessment of your security plans, your expensive items can become theft-proof.
