JRB Technologies - Basics of Computer Security Article

Digital Forensics

While there is not one simple solution to make your computer
secure, there are many different steps that you can take to fend off
attackers. In this article, you will find a list and brief description of
areas that you can apply security, to make your computer safer. Just
remember that you have to stay on top of security, and continue to
make changes to the following areas or you give potential threats
all the time they need to break through your security.

The information provided here is a good start, but remember that it
is neither detailed nor comprehensive. This is intended to provide a
good overview of the types of security measures sometimes taken.
The actual measures that are appropriate for your company are
best determined on a case by case basis.

Part 1 - Physical security
The first form of security to enforce is physical security. It can be as
simple as installing and using a lock on your door, or locking
computers to a wall or table. While neither of these will keep out
everyone, it will deter the casual thief that is looking for easy access
to your data. It is much harder for a threat to go undetected if they
have to break open a door, or pry off a computer to get access to it.
You can also purchase and install loud alarms which sound when the
power cable is unplugged. A combination of these locks and alarms
is an excellent theft deterrent system for computers which must be
publicly accessible, particularly when employees are not nearby to
monitor them.

But theft is not the only physical danger to computers. You also
have to guard yourself from acts of nature. Computer hardware
can be protected from fire damage with the help of smoke
detectors and sprinkler systems, just remember that water can
destroy a computer just as fast a fire. Computer are special in that
the lost off the physical computer is far smaller in cost then the loss
of the data that is stored on the computer. Fortunately, the loss of
data can be mitigated with the use of data backups, stored at
remote locations.

The final natural occurrence that we will discuss is electricity. Surge
protectors and uninterruptable power supplies (UPSs) are a low cost
solution that can save you thousands of dollars in equipment
damage. UPSs are a must if you have a system that needs to be up
24/7, especially if you are in an area which is prone to sever
thunderstorms and power outages. Just remember, the amount of
protection a surge protector provides is usually equal to its price
tag, and a cheap protector might not protect your computer like
you think it will.

Business Continuity

IT Security

Virtual Infrastructure

The Basics of Computer Security
Part 1 of 3 - Physical Security

JRB Technologies