Re: Stolen Laptops

[Dave Kovarik <david-kovarik () NORTHWESTERN EDU>]

Sorry to hear of the problem.
- At previous NC employer, laptops and other portable equipment were 1) 
cabled to the furniture or 2) placed in a locked drawer/cabinet when 
left overnight
which stopped the "drive by" thefts (crimes of opportunity).  "Out of 
sight - out of mind" worked for the most part.
We did see a few instances where the cable and chunks of computer casing 
were left behind (a rare occurrence).
- Mobile devices (including laptops): the employer paid for the first 
one - if you lost it, you paid for the replacement and a note was placed 
in personnel file.
- PINs/password and encryption (where feasible) were required on all 
laptops and mobile devices.
- no experience with locators
- Question: how are criminal types getting into locked offices?  is 
cleaning crew suspected?
maybe a surveillance camera (even a temporary one) would help catch bad 
guys.  One of the
affiliates used a trail camera (the kind used by hunters to monitor 
animal traffic) - worked like
a charm - got all the pictures needed to prosecute successfully.
Best of luck.
Dave Kovarik
NUIT_ISSC
847-467-5930

On 7/27/10 12:25 PM, Kimberly Heimbrock wrote:
> Unfortunately, laptops thefts have been significantly increasing, 
> (usually in locked offices -- after hours) and was wondering what 
> success anyone has had using Lojack, Prey, or other tools.  Any 
> (affordable) ideas for increased physical security and software tools 
> that have been proven to reduce thefts and trace the equipment would 
> be appreciated.  We will be communicating increased fac/staff 
> awareness as it relates to the physical security of mobile devices, so 
> ideas to be included with that message would be great too. Thanks in 
> advance!
>
> *Kim Heimbrock*
>
> Director, IT Policy and Compliance
>
> Northern Kentucky University
>
> (859) 572-5139
>
> heimbrockk () nku edu