Computer Hardware Security In Schools

[Commnder-Zavala]

Hello all,

Tech for a school with about 500 computers here, all of our computers are HP Compaq 8200 Elite Ultra Slim. In the last week we seem to have developed an issue with theft of components, we've had 6 sticks of RAM go missing and one SSD from 4 different computers.

 

The computers themselves aren't very secure. The ports and back panel screw is covered by a plastic cage, which can be removed very easily. After removing the cage a student would simply need to unscrew 1 screw and then pull the back cover off, exposing all internal components.

 

I'm looking for alternatives to these plastic cages, something that would prevent the students from being able to remove the cover so easily. I'm wondering what you guys use to secure the hardware in your schools?

 

I've uploaded images of the set up I outlined to this album so you can see what I'm talking about.

 

Thanks!

[m25man]

Keep it simple and replace that thumbscrew with something a little more challenging.

 

| Plain Button Stainless Steel Tamper Proof Security Screw, M5 x 20mm |

 

Yes, they may return with a better toolkit next time but for a few pence per machine it will slow them down.

[pete]

We tended to use steel cable ties through the security loop. You need tin snips/shears to remove them.

[Katy]

We didn't do anything and lost some RAM from mini tower Dell Optiplex cases in a couple of rooms (the side comes off with a catch) so we ended up just putting a padlock through the hole, now we have the more all-in-one style cases where it'd be a lot more obvious they were going inside so would hope the teacher noticed (! not sure how they didn't notice with the mini towers), and the newer PCs have a screw locking the cable cover on which also hides the case release catch, other areas with slightly less new PCs they're unusual Viglen cases so again not obvious how to get in them without being noticed, and the remaining "easy to open" cases have such ancient components they'd have to be insane to want to nick a 1GB DDR2 stick.

[Chris_Cook]

We use cable ties or the torx screws that come with viglens.

 

If we had a problem with component theft, I might upgrade to stainless steel ties, but mostly we want to stop mice from being swapped round and stolen.

 

Padlocks were a faff for us, and fairly easy to break off, or pick in the case of the combination ones.

 

CCTV is probably another solution to consider. Might not be popular with teachers and SLT.

[Commnder-Zavala]

We have Viglen's at one of the other schools my company supports. They seem quite good actually, difficult for the kids to get into for sure...difficult for me to get into sometimes! But then it's also partly due to the kids we have at this school, in general vandalism is a lot worse at the school where we've had thefts than the other schools we support.

 

In total this week we had 3x 4GB sticks, 3x 2GB sticks & 1x 240GB SSD get nicked. RAM isn't so bad but those SSD's can be quite costly, especially with how easy it is to get into the back of these machines. The other thing we're struggling to grasp is when the kids are getting chance to do this. The teachers insist to me that the rooms are locked between lessons, or when not in use. I can't imagine these are being taken during lessons either, something doesn't quite add up!

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

Look like these might be a good idea. Simple and cheap, exactly what the school will want!

[nicholab]

I have to say that a even a simple screw seems to do the trick. Which is what I like about the HP 260 G2 they have a screw.

[Mistert89]

We used security screws. I bought 40mm which is far too long, but more of a deterrent as it takes longer... more likely to be observed!

Much better than the half dozen turns of the thumbscrew (hmm, thumbscrews. There’s an idea.)

[davethetekkie]

+1 for nice simple security screws here... we replace ALL security screws with a standard secure hex screw and we haven’t had any internal hardware thefts in recent memory.

[synaesthesia]

Don't think we've ever had thefts from computers. Still though, would suggest replacing the thumbscrews with standard screws and putting a cheap padlock through the security loop.

CCTV could be a no-brainer if it's a recurring issue, plus will act as a deterrent; especially if you catch someone at it and word spreads. It doesn't have to be expensive either.

[mukz]

We Kensington lock everything, there is also a guideline for teachers to follow after every lesson to ensure that all computers are working - this usually helps us catch the person if someone has damaged anything. As they are usually the last logged on student

[nicholab]

Where I used to work we used a Kensington lock for every two PCs and monitors then drilled through the work surface to pull the loop on the other side.

[Fazza]

The third photo shows a slot for a Kensington lock doesnt it? That's what we use, well some are Kensington, some are Dell and some are unbranded - whatever was available and the cheapest at the time of purchase!

[glen_j]

Fazza is correct, that model has the kensington lock hole at the bottom which does secure the cage to the PC, we have the same model and they are all locked in that fashion.

[jimmy_2k]

We seem to be ok in my school with regards to hardware theft. In my previous school we did put zip ties though the holes. In other places I have worked, we had a box of keyed alike padlocks and we padlocked every pc. I'd advise doing that in your case, the snips just get cut with scissors. Also enforce a policy of no pupils in a classroom without supervision.

[Fazza]

We seem to be ok in my school with regards to hardware theft. In my previous school we did put zip ties though the holes. In other places I have worked, we had a box of keyed alike padlocks and we padlocked every pc. I'd advise doing that in your case, the snips just get cut with scissors. Also enforce a policy of no pupils in a classroom without supervision.

 

We cable tie the keyboards and mice to the power cable so we dont have to play 'Hunt The Faulty Mouse/Keyboard' - works a treat.

 

[thebatman]

We use a small cable tie on the mice and keyboards so they don't go walking, then use padlocks/thick cable ties on the lock loop to stop access to inside the PCs (cable ties are cheaper and don't have to play hunt the keys)