[yoesh]

we had a recent incident at work where there was a break in and some vandalism. a number of offices were hit -- hammers taken to LCDs/CRTs and computers. also, some of the computers had liquids/chemicals poured over & in them. Good news is that nothing was lost (all data was either backed up or HDs were easily recoverable). So since i'm starting from square one, I'm wondering what might be the best set of proactive purchases to make.

while doing a networked terminal (screen, keyboard, mouse, optical drive, but HD elsewhere) would provide the best security and minimize damage risk in an ideal world, it's not really feasible.

I've been considering a number of options: 1) storage lockers or cases that lock (not just a kensington lock -- something that would provide some physical protection), 2) a move to a desktop replacement laptop that goes with the user -- or 3) perhaps just using external FW/USB hds to always take data with you at the end of the day (computers will always be cheap).

so what other recommendations would folks have? or if you've had experience with lockers or storage cases (that are locked/bolted to desks or walls), do you have any recommendations for sources?

thanks

[SSharon]

Sorry to hear about the office. Do you really expect future incidents of this kind?
I don't know if this will really help you but at my school they lock down the G5's in metal cages that block the sides but leave the front and back open (http://www.anchorpad.com/APSLargeUniversal.html). Its so stuff doesn't get stolen though. I don't know of any way to prevent damage and vandalism unless its in a locked rack with its own cooling system. That of course won't fit under your desk although I have seen some shorter models intended for audio/video workplaces that want to cut down on noise. I'll see if I can find a link for that.

[Dakkon]

why not invest in a security system for the office? or build a secure server room, with a locked door, that cant be accessed easly. and put a file server in there, have everyone save their data to the file server. that way if the user box's to get damaged, no data is stored on them, only the applications, all the data is nice and safe in the server room. just an idea.

[Cold Warrior]

Given even a moderate amount of time, vandals will get access to items like monitors and any hardware not inside a vault. Visible security may deter and hidden security may help catch.

[red rocket]

Make friends with some vandals and anarchists. Grant anti-establishment activists access to some of your machines. Be part of the counter-culture. Never get hit again.

That said, it's only hardware. I'd probably implement the portable data plan, anyway. Doesn't hurt.

[tooki]

I think that physically protecting each machine is a band-aid fix -- the real problem is whatever incited the vandalism, combined with insufficient building security.

tooki