Computer Security Information

With thanks to
SAPOL Crime Reduction Section and Neighbourhood Watch Initiative,
who created the original pamplet this page was based on.

CIASA and SA Police encourage you to print and
use this list to help you secure computers in your home and business.

Computers come in many forms.
Desktop, laptop and electronic organisers are some of the common varieties.
They are all high-value, readily disposed-of items, and are a high risk for theft.

With common sense you can increase your computer security.

• Identify your computer by either:
  - Engraving it
  - Marking it with a UV pen
  - or other permanent means7
  with your driver’s licence number preceded by the letter S (prefix for South Australia).
  
• Mark business computers with business name and suburb.
  
• Keep a record of serial numbers and identification marks.
  
• Backup data regularly. Eg. On CD or zip disk.
  
• Where possible, program your computer with a password to restrict access.
  
• Use a computer security device. (For example through the use of a cut resistant steel cable, a laptop can be secured to a fixed object)
  
• Laptops and electronic organisers should be locked in a secure location when not in use.
  
• Remove removable hard drives and store them in a secure place when not in use.
  
• Consider drawing blinds or curtains if your computer is near a window, to ensure it is not in the view of passers by.
  
• Lock internal office doors and windows when unattended.
  
• Secure premises when unattended.
  
• Do not ‘advertise’ the purchase of a new computer or component by placing empty boxes next to the rubbish bin.
  
• If you must leave a computer in a vehicle, store it out of sight and use a cable lock to secure it to the vehicle.
  
• Keep the vehicle locked at all times when left unattended.
  
• Where video security systems operate, ensure they are regularly maintained and tapes are frequently changed.
  
• Consider the use of security alarms and surveillance. Eg. Monitored alarms.
  
• Encourage office staff to become security aware. This can include an awareness of visitors in the workplace.
  
• Be accountable for your computer security.
  
• Consider installing firewall and virus protection software.

CIASA and SA Police encourage you to do everything you can
to reduce this expensive and highly inconvenient problem in our society.