How to protect your business hardware (part II):

Physical protection:

Many secure cases are also available for tablet PCs. If you have a Mac Book that comes along with Retina display, you can’t use standard locks then, as these notebook are too slim to function properly. The solution is to use a secure case such as the one from Mac Locks.

Non-Apple users could consider STOP-Lock in order to protect their notebook PC. Further added, users of the Mac Mini can also physically protect their computers by encasing it in a robust enclosure that is tethered to a desk. And if you are lucky enough to own a Mac Pro, this too can be protected by adding a bracket to the machine that enables it to be secured to a desktop.

While a great deal of today’s digital equipment is used outside of the relative security of an office environment, it is still possible to protect your business’ devices. Trust has an alarm system that can be attached to most digital devices, as can the Kensington Proximo. And Charger Leash offers a charging cable with a built in alarm.

Choose your weapons wisely:

As there are a great number of different security and theft prevention devices available, the question comes on which one should you choose? Here, there have been given some questions that you must ask yourself in order to decide on the perfect anti-theft devices to protect your business’ digital assets:

1. Will all the devices only be used within an office space? If that is so, physically tethering the devices to desks or other immovable objects will be efficient and cost effective using solutions like Kensington Locks.
2. Do you need to protect your Smartphone and tablet PCs? If that is so, you can use a protective case that has anti-theft hardware built into. It will be the most effective option.
3. Are any of the devices used outside of a secure office environment? If that is so, many other visible deterrent stickers can be effective. Also, you need match a physical protection system to the specific device for added safety.
4. Will the devices be used in any insecure locations? If that is so, you can attach an alarm to the device that will instantly notify the user that their device has been moved somewhere.

Multi-layered defense:

Often, using a number of security systems together will deliver you with the best solution. SmartWater is a very good example here. A notebook PC could be tethered to a desk, but if stolen, the SmartWater tag would still be able to identify the device it was used with and who stole the machine. Ultimately the level of threat that your company perceives will determine the precautions your business must take in order to prevent the theft of digital hardware. As much business is now done on the move, protecting all the devices in use is a must not only for commercial reasons, but also to fully comply with legal requirements regarding the protection of data.