In the current age of data and identity theft, computer security tools are becoming an ever more vital aspect protecting your business. Data security hardware is an enticing option because it prevents access and provides very robust protection against tampering. Network security hardware acts in much the same way--preventing access to your business networks before damage can be done.

There are many computer security hardware tools on the market. Sorting through which ones are best for your business and learning how to use them can be a daunting task. The following computer security hardware education and training approaches will help you make sense of this rapidly growing market:

1. Set up a computer security system to protect your small business or home office computers.
2. Discover different means of laptop computer hardware protection.
3. Research the setup and management network security hardware such as a firewall.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to establish computer security systems that will protect your assets

You should put just as much attention on the physical security of your business computers as you do on the virtual. It's important to choose the right computer security tools, but the first step is to create a plan of attack.

I recommend: CERT provides extensive guidelines on a securing a home computer environment, but the information is equally valuable in securing a small business environment, or even a home office. eHow hosts an excellent guide on how to physically secure your office computers.

Protect your business laptops from theft with computer locks and other methods

Laptops have become the computer of choice for the businessman on the go. However, laptops present a particular risk in that they are far more vulnerable to being stolen. There are a variety of methods for protecting your laptop, ranging from computer security locks or cables to laptop safes.

I recommend: PC World has an educational video showcasing different methods for protecting your laptop from theft. SecurityFocus has a two part guide dedicated to laptop security. Part one focuses on physical methods of securing your laptop.

Become educated on setting up network security hardware for your business

Network security hardware is an important aspect of protecting the day to day operations of your business. A hardware firewall offers excellent protection from most forms of attack. Most require little configuration, but there are some important things to learn if you desire the highest degree of protection for your local network.

I recommend: Learn how to set up your hardware firewall at the Developer Shed. Manually configuring the firewall or wireless router will provide you with much more security. Bleeping Computer has an excellent guide to understanding and using firewalls.

A decent computer security system can protect your data and hardware from thieves and intruders. There are various types of computer security hardware available, ranging from firewalls to computer locks and alarms.

There are many reasons to install security hardware. Some of the key reasons are:

1. To protect valuable and personal data from being stolen.
2. To protect your computer from viruses and phishing.
3. To secure computers so they can not be stolen.

The need for computer security hardware has been steadily increasing as methods used by computer and data thieves becomes more sophisticated.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use network security hardware

These usually come in the form of firewalls to protect your data from being stolen and to guard against viruses.

I recommend: Install a good hardware firewall such as those manufactured by WatchGuard, Cisco, and SonicWall. Although these firewalls are designed as network security hardware, they all can be modified to protect single PCs.

Secure your PCs and laptops

There are many types of computer security hardware tools available to prevent thieves from walking off with your PC or laptop.

I recommend: Use a good computer security lock or other PC security hardware to prevent your computer from being stolen. Locks and other computer security hardware can be found at PC Guardian, Security Kit, SecurTech Co. International and Compu-Gard. These companies offer computer security hardware for individual PCs or rooms full of servers.

Use a router with a built-in firewall

Most network routers, whether they are wireless or Ethernet based, use an internal firewall to block out intruders, eliminating the need to install separate network security hardware.

I recommend: Make sure your network router contains a built-in firewall to maximize computer hardware security. Major router manufacturers such as Netgear, D-Link and Linksys include firewall security hardware that can be easily modified. These companies also offer separate security hardware products including VPNs (Virtual Private Network) devices and firewalls.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Secure your wireless network using a WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) address, which is a series of letters and numbers needed to access network.
• •  Use good anti-virus and other security software in addition to adding a hardware firewall to maximize protection of your network or PC.
• •  In addition to locking down computers, make sure doors to server rooms and offices are locked when no one is using the equipment.
• •  Keep a record of all serial numbers of every piece of hardware and software, and store it in a secure location.
• •  Back up all of your data on a regular basis, and store it at a location away from the computers.

With so much work being done with computers these days, you need to take measures to protect your business's computers and your network. Understanding computer lingo can be tough, but you have to learn the basics in order to better protect yourself against someone from stealing your computer, peripherals or information.

When talking computer safety, be sure to learn the meaning of security pads, firewall, keylogger, disk drive lock, tray lock and a keyed desktop lock. Be sure you understand the meaning and what each will do to protect your computer, equipment and network of computers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Security pads

Security pads are adhesive pads that stick to your computer and the work surface so that someone can't walk away with your computer. The adhesive is so strong that is takes brute force to peel your computer away. These are good to use if your computers are left out for public use.

I recommend: AnchorPad Security explains what a security pad is and how is locks to the surface and your computer to prevent theft.

Firewall

A firewall is protection for your computer from someone outside of your system. A firewall acts as a boundary and outsiders need your permission to cross that boundary.

I recommend: LINKSYS by Cisco explains how its hardware firewall filters the Internet for added protection against outside intruders.

Keylogger

A keylogger is a system that tracks all keys typed, Web pages viewed and programs that are viewed, so you can make sure your computers are being used appropriately.

I recommend: KeyDevil explains what keyloggers do to keep your computers safe and why you would want to use a keylogger at your business.

Disk drive lock

A disk drive lock is an actual lock that goes on the outside of your disk drive to prevent access to your system from unauthorized users.

I recommend: SecurityKit.com describes what a disk drive lock is and how it works to protect your computer.

Tray lock

A tray lock is a steel box that your desktop or tower computer unit can literally be placed inside of and bolted into to prevent theft.

I recommend: Business Machine Security explains what tray locks are and how they work to protect your computer from theft.

Keyed desktop lock

A keyed desktop lock is a locking system that connects all of your equipment together through the use of cables and locks making it impossible for any piece of your computer equipment to be stolen.

I recommend: Check out Kensington Computer Products Group to find out what a keyed desktop lock is and how it works to keep your equipment secure.