Security Tips: Physical Security

Overview

New Purchases

Every new equipment purchase must include appropriate security devices.

Equipment and Information Disposal

All computers store some sensitive information.  Any time you are disposing of a computer (such as selling, sending to warehouse, giving away, re-tasking to another person), take precautions to ensure that the data has been thoroughly erased. (If you need help with data erasure, call the IT Help Desk.)  Also properly dispose of backup CDs, DVDs, or floppy disks that contain the same sensitive data.

Security Precautions for Faculty, Staff and Student Computers

• Where applicable, lock your office or residence hall room door when leaving.
• Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place.  Even a dash to the restroom is enough time for a computer to be stolen.
• All computers should be set with a screensaver that starts after 10 minutes of inactivity and requires a password to resume work.
• University laptops must have (and personal laptops should have) a cable lock (attached to a permanent fixture) and connected to the laptop whenever the laptop is on the desk.  It is strongly recommended that laptop users purchase two (2) cable locks, one for their desk and one for travel.
• Computers may also have a USB key installed which prevents unauthorized use.
• Many vendors, including Dell, offer network security options that help to locate a stolen computer (think of it like "Lo-Jack" for your computer).