Secure Home Storage Ideas for Computers & Printers
Securing large electronics at home is the best way to protect your investments. For security measures to work, however, you must make them a part of your established usage routine. To ensure you follow your security plan, make a plan that is S.A.F.E.: simple, appropriate, fast and effective.
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Physical Theft
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Prevent physical theft of your netbooks, laptops, desktops and printers by using desk tethers and lockable metal cabinets. Desk tethers, or desk locks, consist of two parts: a tether bolted to the desk and a reinforced loop on the computer. Select either a key or numeric/alpha combination lock. Keep a spare key, or write down the code in a safe location. Always situate your electronics away from windows and exterior doors. If possible place computers and printers in a secure -- lockable -- room in the interior of the house.
Internet Threats
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The Internet is full of threats from viruses, adware, worms, spyware and hackers that can affect your equipment and the data they store. Set passwords to deter casual intruders. Install a full-protection suite or individual antivirus and antispam programs. Do not install more than one protection suite; different programs can identify each other as a threat. Microsoft advises users against using the system administrator account as a regular log-in.
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Network Security
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While the Internet is a known threat to computer security, many overlook the dangers of internal networks. To share a server, printer or Internet connection, you must open a line of communication between your electronic devices, called a local area network (LAN). Hackers may steal data, corrupt program files and change printer settings from a computer in a LAN without your knowledge. Protect your LAN by safeguarding your user names and passwords, using an alphanumeric password for your wireless network and setting up your computer to refuse connections with unencrypted/unsecured networks -- the kind available in public places.
Unauthorized Use
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Unauthorized use of the computer and printer usually comes from within your household: One of your children or a guest moves a portable computer, downloads/uploads programs or changes settings without your knowledge. The best way to combat in-house abuse involves making a list of rules for computer use. Treat your house like a public computer lab, and list the proper user/password, usage policies and other expected behavior (such as no more than one hour of computer per day), close the windows after use to prevent weather damage and place all printer accessories in the drawer when not in use.
Backup Plan
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Back up your data. Security breaches are inevitable. The more impenetrable you make your system, the more appealing it will appear to recreational hackers. Save copies of your most important documents on an external hard drive or removable media such as a DVD, CD, flash drive or zip tape. Some security software packages offer online storage. Keep in mind that this service may include a limited amount of space; you may have to pay for additional space.
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