During the lockdown there have been many concerns for people, whether it’s health, work, or home life. However, security is one aspect which should have more consideration, particularly because at this point in time, your property, whether home or business is actually at even greater risk.
For home-owners, the concern will be those individuals who turn to commit crimes because they are bored or who are committing opportunistic crimes. And then there are business owners who are not only concerned about the current business shutdown we are all facing, but also the security aspects of leaving buildings for long periods of time.
Some business properties will have security guards or a constant stream of daily activity but this is of course not going to be the case for some time and it gives would-be thieves opportunities that they wouldn’t have previously had; full days and nights to carry out break-ins. There’s no doubt the Coronavirus has hit most people hard and particularly businesses but there are some things which all business owners can do to help protect not only their property but their belongings and equipment.
Often, companies value the equipment inside their buildings just as much as the building itself and this is certainly the case with regards to computers.
Easy-PC
Computers and laptops in particular are extremely attractive to thieves and one of the most common items to be stolen from a workplace or home is a computer. The hardware is valuable but often the information stored on it is even more valuable and a real risk to business owners, as well as the customers they serve.
So here’s some computer security advice for business owners we think is worthwhile considering:
Overall theft includes:
- File servers
- Laptops
- Accessories
- Personal tech (mobile phones, keyboards, tablets)
Opportunistic thieves generally will grab whatever they can and whatever they can see as soon as they break in. This is why the Police and most security firms will always advise to not leave valuables in front of windows, whether at home or at work, or indeed in your car. Don’t give them the temptation and certainly don’t make it easy for them to steal your property.
So, with the above items as some of the most commonly used in offices, particularly those which are easy to “grab ‘n go”, how can you protect against theft effectively?
Protection methods:
- Security screws
- Cable ties
- Security cameras – CCTV (including false caddys)
- Locked Drawers
- Reinforced Locked Cabinets
- Smartwater/Smart Liquid
Desk Screws
Many offices have their desktop computers “tied” to their desks via security screws or safelock systems (via metal cables attached to the desk). This provides a solid solution against smash and grabs, however, it’s not feasible for laptops and mobile phones simply because those items are mobile devices by nature.
Security Cameras and Dummies
We’d also recommend installing security cameras where possible and although this won’t always be feasible inside your property (due to privacy concerns with working staff for example), you could always install empty camera dummies within the building to cast that doubt into the perpetrators mind that they could be on film. Security caddies externally would normally be enough as they can act as a deterrent in many cases to begin with.
Cable Ties
There are simple solutions though to keep things tied to the desk securely if necessary. Cable ties are worthwhile investing in and usually a standard item in any office but it’s a good idea to consider using them to secure electronics to the desk (if they can’t be locked away for any reason). The last thing a thief will want to do after breaking in is try and fiddle with a cable tie in a hurry.
Locked Drawers
Locked drawers are a must in any office, particularly where there is sensitive information or where laptops or devices won’t be taken home. Locked cabinets are the next best thing as some can be incredibly strong and secure; ideal for protecting hardware whilst you’re not there.
Smartwater
If all of this isn’t enough and somehow equipment is stolen, (and this is entirely possible because unfortunately, there just isn’t a fail safe way to protect everything 100% of the time), it’s worth every business owner investing in Smartwater. This is something that most would-be thieves looking to make quick cash and to steal hardware will fear. It’s the true bane of the burglar so to speak.
Smartwater offers a forensic trace tool which leads to higher conviction rates because of its effectiveness. Simply smear or spray the substance onto your valuable hardware and it leaves an imperceptible marker which the thief won’t be able to see. But if your item is found or tested (once it’s sold on or found in the possession of a suspect) and the marker is there, it’s a clear indicator that it is your product. It’s the ultimate in forensic marking technology and well worth looking into if you are concerned about theft or insurance issues.
