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IT Security: Physical Security
Security Policy
Providing physical security for our urban campus is a demanding task, made even more difficult by the challenge of providing the MIT community with the necessary access while limiting exposures that can be hazardous to individual safety and costly in terms of property loss or damage.
One example is the number of computer thefts. The loss of equipment can result in the financial loss to the Institute, and the area affected. It can also have serious after effects, if the data that were lost with the equipment had not been backed up in a timely manner or was sensitive to disclosure.
Preventing Property Loss
There are also specific things that can be done to reduce exposure, some of which are addressed on this page and others in the MIT Police Crime Prevention Handbook, which can be accessed from the MIT Police courses and publications page.
This page focuses on the available solutions for physically securing our information resources. Key areas include theft protection, reducing vulnerabilities from power fluctuations, and access control in sensitive areas.
We will also point to other resources, both on and off campus that are involved in the protection process.
Insurance Coverage
Have you lost computer equipment or other MIT property recently? Did you know the loss might be covered by MIT's insurance? Check with the Insurance Office (617-253-2823) for more information, and learn how to take advantage of the Insurance Office's waiver of retention policy for equipment theft.
Three vendors have devices that have been approved by the Campus Police for securing computer and related equipment in accordance with the waiver of retention policy. These are:
- AnchorPad - Santa Anna CA - 800.626.2467 Local Representative New England Computer Security 339-927-4813
- Compu-Gard - Swansea MA - 800.333.6810
- KSL Security Inc. - Waltham MA - 781.893.7926
Laptop Resources
To help protect the MIT community from the loss of computers - particularly the vulnerable laptops, as well as other small electronic devices - we continually review new products and services that may be of value. These products do not fall under our Insurance Program and are not supported by MIT. However, they can be of value in laptop loss prevention and computer recovery.
Vendors offer products or services that fall under this category. Examples are:
- Laptop Tagging and Registration using the STOP (Security Tracking
of Office Property) tag, offered by MIT
Police Crime Prevention Unit. STOP tags are a loss prevention measure
and are a visible deterrent to small electronic devices. Once applied
it takes 24 hours for the glue to cure. Then it takes up to 800 pounds
of pressure to remove the tag. If removed, it leaves a tattoo stating
stolen property. This video demonstrates
how difficult it is to remove a tag once glued (.wmv).
Each item tagged cost $10 cash. Tech Cash is not accepted.
Registration and tagging schedule:
Tuesday, 09/18/2007 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Lobby of Bldg. 10 Friday, 09/21/2007 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Lobby of E52 Tuesday, 10/02/2007 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Lobby of Bldg. 10 Wednesday, 10/03/2007 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Lobby of Bldg. 10 Tuesday, 10/23/2007 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lobby of Bldg. 10 Wednesday, 10/24/2007 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lobby of Bldg. 10 Wednesday, 11/14/2007 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lobby of Student Center Thursday, 11/15/2007 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lobby of Student Center Thursday, 12/06/2007 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lobby of Student Center
- Caveo's Anti-theft PC Card provides an audible theft warning as well as lock-down capabilities for Windows laptops through a motion sensitive PCMCIA card for Windows 98SE, 2000, ME and XP systems. The card is available for on-line purchase from the GovConnection ECAT page. Do a search on Caveo.
Resources
Provide for and protect life and property on campus:
