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.
The official source of Computer Security Hardware is
the Computer Security Hardware page at Business.com
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