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 |