A system's physical security is one of the most overlooked areas of computer safety. If your computer is lost or stolen you lose both the
equipment and your data, as well as running the risk of having someone access sensitive personal and work information. Given enough time, any
system can be broken into - securing your computer physically is the best way to prevent this!
To protect your computer, always keep it physically secure by locking the room it's in or using a locking cable if the computer can be easily moved.
Columbia's Department of Public Safety offers a number of great services to help protect
your computer from being stolen:
Discounts to any Columbia Department, Employee or Student for laptop locks
The Operation ID program: free engraving of systems (including mp3 players, PDAs and more) that are then also registered with the NYPD
Free installation of Phone Home software that will track a stolen computer if it goes online
Free surveys for CU departments that want to purchase computer locks
Please contact the Department of Public Safety at (212) 854-8513 for more information regarding these services.