Computer and Audio/Visual Security
"Frequently Asked Questions" and answers
- What is the most serious threat to my equipment? Computers are susceptible to a variety of evils, two types of threat are most common - theft of equipment and loss or corruption of data. In most cases an employee is connected with these losses, (crime experts say 50 - 90%). So, the obvious (simplified) answer is PEOPLE. An established employee theft prevention campaign, coupled with physical protection and education to outside threats can minimize losses.
- What are the most effective methods of protection? Not all circumstances will have the same solutions, we suggest that a person, business or school MARK IT - SECURE IT - ALARM IT. Of course, a professional "risk assessment" can help you to identify specific risks and cost effective solutions. Security experts usually offer these services at little or no cost (our site surveys are free).
- My computer is covered under my insurance, why should I be concerned? Insurance is a valuable tool, but it is not an effective DETERRENT to crime, (if it were we wouldn't need police). Often, coverage must be carefully selected. An important aspect is loss of productivity - our research points out that in a well funded business it may take a week or more to replace a computer, waiting for an insurance settlement may take twice that long. A nationwide business (which may be required to route purchase orders through "the head office") may take more than a month to recover. After theft, insurance rates are unlikely to go down. Don't forget the time to reconfigure the computer and recover lost data.
- But, I have a daily "back-up"? Back-up disks, tapes or remote files are only the beginning, remember that newer versions of replaced application software may not be compatible with your data files. Another consideration, where did your data go? Data residing within a stolen computer, in the wrong hands can be worth the price of 100 computers!
- What about my Notebook Computer ? There is a hysteria surrounding thefts of portable computers in airports. While these thefts do exist, we feel that these casualties have been over-reported and have entered the realm of "Urban Folklore". The easiest way to protect these devices is to not blatantly display them. Put them in a "normal" piece of carry-on luggage, and do not draw attention to them. We also do provide an array of products to protect notebooks and data while transporting or using them. Look at our notebook security page.
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You may be surprised at the variety of options which are available to you.
© 1997 Anchor Desktop Security - 1018 San Pedro Drive, NE - Albuquerque, NM 87110-6722
Phone (505) 232-7118 - Fax (505) 232-7215 - E-mail: anchor@anchor-newmexico.com