How to Maintain Your Physical Device Security
You must protect your physical equipment from cybercrime, but also theft, loss, accidental damage, fire and flood to ensure business productivity. As well as continuity and security of your business data. Failing to update your physical device security can lead to malware, theft, physical damage, and data loss. We work with a lot of technical devices in small business IT support. So let us fill you in on a few tips for keeping physical equipment safe.
If you’re looking for the best IT support Kent, Surrey, West and East Sussex have to offer then give Hero IT Support a call for your free consultation!
Keep Your Business Safe
- Ensure you lock all windows and doors at the end of the working day
- Store all spare and allocated keys in safe places, and ensure all key holders understand this
- Carefully choose key holders and control who enters the premises daily
- Install an alarm system for the building, and train responsible staff to set and unset it
- Avoid advertising your equipment to potential criminals. Turn off all technology, such as computer screens, at night or when the premises is unmanned
- Invest in computer locking cables to make it more difficult for thieves to remove equipment
- Store all paper records with confidential information in a secure, locked area. Shred all documents with outdated data before disposal
- Store electrical and expensive equipment on higher floors if your premises is at risk of flooding
- Keep a fire extinguisher readily available, and ensure trained employees know how to use it
- Dispose of large boxes that indicate expensive equipment carefully. Safely dispose of large boxes in a locked recycling bin. We use and recommend Paper Round
Laptop Security
- When choosing a laptop bag, pick one with sufficient padding to prevent damage, and choose a bag that doesn’t make it obvious you’re carrying a laptop
- If you must leave your laptop unattended, lock it away or hide it out of sight
- When traveling by plane, carry your laptop in your hand luggage
- Avoid leaving your laptop visible in the car
Preventing Loss and Theft
- Note down every device’s serial number and register each device on the Immobilise the National Property Register, as recommended by Get Safe Online. This helps reunite the device with its owner if it is stolen or goes missing
- Mark your high-value equipment with security identifiers
- Ensure you have the correct insurance for the equipment
- Avoid storing passwords on the device and protect each user account with a password. Add a second layer of security by enabling BitLocker or a boot password, which locks the computer functions until the correct password is entered.
- Regularly back up your data
If any device is stolen, report it to the police and ask for a reference number for tracking and insurance. If you stored any passwords or ticked the ‘remember my password’ box, change all your passwords as soon as possible.
If you are in the process of setting up a new business or know someone that is don’t hesitate to contact us.