Theft proofing a pc

GrimReaper

Last night we had thieves break into our warehouse, because of the alarm system the police arrived very quickly although not before a couple of thieves managed to get away with a computer monitor for the single pc located there.

Thankfully the thieves gave up trying to steal the pc, because it has about five label printers connected up to it via parallel cables. (all screwed in, it looked as though the thief gave up trying to disconnect them.. one of them was broken/forced apart)

However, since the pc got banged up a bit and because it's pretty old i've decided to buy a new pc for them. But, i'm wanting to secure it to the desk to prevent it from being stolen.

I've been looking online and I can't seem to find anything useful. Anyone know of anything where I could literally secure a pc to a desk to prevent it from being stolen?

PolloDiablo

At my school they just have things that are like bike locks going through the case and looped through a cable hole in the desk. Like these.

GrimReaper

I've come across this which looks interesting.

Enc

GrimReaper wrote: »

I've come across this which looks interesting.

Odds are good that they would just pry the box off of the desk with a quick kick, though depending on how well you secure it it could work.

For a criminal, you've got to do two things to keep them from taking your stuff: Make it complicated/time consuming to take out, and make it look invaluable. Wrapping the entire machine to your desk with rolls and rolls of duct tape would do both. Your criminal would have to saw through it to take your machine, and that would take time. If you throw in some chicken wire in between the layers of duct tape, it would take even longer.

Of course, it would be ugly as sin (making it less theft worthy), but I doubt you'd lose the machine.

GrimReaper

These seem significantly better than the other and the security cable solution.

illig

if you're truly serious, get a security cage for your pc... something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/604896-REG/Hard_Steal_SB_A_STEAL_Box_Computer_Security.html

expensive, but without cutting, the PC will not be removed

cheaper solutions are glue on cable mounts... from experience, without the use of a specific solvent, these have to be cut off as well:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/254556-REG/Bretford_TG10_10_Cable_System.html

Chalkbot

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

rfalias

Maybe work on preventing them from getting inside instead of anticipating a break in.
Metal bars are good!

EskimoDave

I've seen cases literally bolted to the table. They were all the flat style.

TetraNitroCubane

From experience, I can say that any kind of cable is pretty much useless. Most of the 'computer' specific security cables are easily cut with a pair of pliers that any smuck can buy from the local hardware store and slip under his jacket. My laptop was secured with one about a year ago, and someone managed to slip in, cut the cable, and slip out in under ten minutes while I was checking my mail.

Go for the cage, or if you really don't want to enclose and mount it, use a thicker cable or bike lock. At least then the tools the thieves would need are harder to carry around.

ascannerlightly

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

oh label printer, is there anything you can't do?

seconding the suggestion of focusing more on perimeter security. if they can't get in they can't steal the computer(s).

Deebaser

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

brilliant!

UncleSporky

I suggest hooking up the new computer under the desk and leaving the crappy old one on top of the desk with cables plugged in the back in realistic fashion.

Eat it You Nasty Pig.

the easiest way is probably to have some sort of a cage or cabinet that can be locked around the computer.

FyreWulff

I imagine this PC never needs to move considering it's job, so I would honestly just bolt the new one right to the table, right through the bottom of the case

deathnote666

I remember seeing an article where someone replaced their case with a cardboard box with holes cut in it for vents. No one would want to steal that.

Apothe0sis

Are you at all concerned about the data if the computer or its components are stolen?

If so, PGP WDE or truecrypt or something would be a nice idea.

TL DR

Just print out a sign that says "out of order" or "fucking thing, sucks! piece of shit!"

Tape it to the tower.

PirateJon

Encrypt the drive and forget about it.

spending >$500 for an enclosure to secure a ~$400 system seems like a poor investment.

Echo

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

They had a big computer theft at my dad's job once.

The thieves went in with bolt cutters, snipped everything on the back of the computers and took off.

Enc

Echo wrote: »

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

They had a big computer theft at my dad's job once.

The thieves went in with bolt cutters, snipped everything on the back of the computers and took off.

I'm telling you now: Duct Tape and Chicken Wire. That machine will be with you until the day you die.

JustinSane07

I'm all for the bolting the case to the desk method. No one's going to steal a desk to get a PC.

Someone will take the security box with them and figure out how to break it later.

GrimReaper

Just an addendum, since I forgot about my post for a day or two.

The building itself is actually decently secure, all the windows have steel sheeting over and are all welded shut. However, evidently the welding wasn't very good on the window for where the toilet is.. they forced it open and smashed the window. Because the alarm went off immediately they didn't have much time inside the warehouse before the police came. (all they stole was the monitor)

Anyway, I'm likely going to be going with the computer cage route and bolt it to the ground.

The computer itself doesn't so much contain important data so much as it's used exclusively for syncing up with various delivery firms and printing labels for said delivery firms. For example, DHL, TNT etc.

The unfortunate truth is that our warehouse is quite possibly in the highest crime area of Leeds. The boss is meant to be making up his mind soon on whether to move to a new location for when the lease ends in 2011 or so.

For example, this is the area.

Raneados

PirateJon wrote: »

Encrypt the drive and forget about it.

spending >$500 for an enclosure to secure a ~$400 system seems like a poor investment.

the problem with this is they're probably not stealing it to get your info

they're probably stealing it because they can resell it for a quick buck

whatever happens secure it to your desk

don't just get a cage that just encloses your computer, they'll just take the whole thing and smash it open later

if someone takes your PC, it'll be a smash and grab. If they can't get away quickly, they probably won't go for it

bolt it to the table/desk/wall/ground

edit: oh also if it's VISIBLY secured that'll even cut efforts to try anything in the first place

like a big chain connecting it to something. Even if the chain does nothing and isn't even connected to the PC, if it looks like it'll take more than a quick tug to do, they'll leave it be

Ruckus

Deebaser wrote: »

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

brilliant!

Nothing protects your PC like a Zebra!

GrimReaper

Ruckus wrote: »

Deebaser wrote: »

Chalkbot wrote: »

It sounds like you could just hook up some more label printers.

brilliant!

Nothing protects your PC like a Zebra!

It was quite funny, the pc was on the floor with all the cables bar one still attached. One of the parallel cables had literally been torn from its connectors. The VGA connection was also slightly bent although still working. (onboard mobo graphics)