Why is physical security important?
- To help prevent theft, loss, and unauthorized access
What should you do?
- Lock up your computer with a cable and set an account password to login.
- Secure laptop computers and mobile devices at all times: keep them with you or lock them up securely before you step away — even just for a second. And make sure they are locked to or in something permanent.
- Don’t leave mobile devices unattended in public locations.
- Be especially careful with portable electronic devices that store restricted data (such as laptop computers, mobile phones, memory sticks, CDs/DVDs/floppy disks). These items are extra vulnerable to theft or loss.
- Some devices can be set to be erased remotely, or to erase themselves if the password/PIN is entered incorrectly a certain number of times. Consider turning these on to protect information in the case of theft or loss. Be sure to back up your device regularly if you enable these features!
- Don’t leave sensitive information lying around, including on printers, fax machines, or copiers.
- Use a paper shredder or secure shred bin when throwing out personal or sensitive information.
- Be sure to lock up portable equipment and sensitive material before you leave them unattended — or take them with you.
- Secure your area before leaving it unattended: take keys out of drawers, close and lock windows, never share your access code, card or key, and don’t hold secure doors open for people you don’t know.
- Set up your workstation so that unauthorized people and passers-by cannot see sensitive information on your monitor.
- Securely delete all contents of computers and mobile devices, before discarding, exchanging, selling or donating them.
In the case of theft or loss:
- Report lost or stolen devices to the police. Immediately report lost or stolen devices to the police. If the device contained sensitive information or passwords, also report it to the InCHIP IT Support
- Immediately change all passwords used or stored on the device.