Computer Lab Thefts

[TnT]

I work at a computer lab in a University Library. Recently we have had a string of thefts. First a couple Dell Optiplexes were taken. They weren't locked down because Dell sent us the wrong locks and we thought we could trust people. After we locked them down someone took the time to cut through a cable and take another one. Both of those occured in a classroom connected to the lab, so the desk staff can't see what's going on in there.

Now a DVI cable is missing from a LED monitor connected to a G5. An iMac mouse and keyboard are also gone (no idea why you'd take these).

It's finals week and the library is opened 24 hours and we've been forced to close the classroom during the night hours due to the thefts. This is really pissing me off.

Any ideas on preventive measures to take? You'd think you'd trust college students to not steal from a public library, but I guess not.

[Jammrock]

A lot of the Dell Optiplex's have two metal rings in the back that you can use a good Master (pad) lock - all of which can be unlocked with a single master key which only 2-3 people have - on to keep the case shut. Keep the wire lock on to prevent the low class thieves out. Set a bootup password. This will make it so no one can access the computer without the password, and the lock on the case prevents a CMOS clear from bypassing it.

Then get someone to supply you with a special heavy duty 2-sided tape. There are kinds that are so strong that people cannot pull the desktop off the desk. Once again, the pad lock on the case prevents stripping parts off from the insides. Whoever supplies you with the tape needs to have a solution - usually a chamical - to remove the tape when it comes time to upgrade the computers.

As for DVI cables ... try and find some without thumbscrews, and preferably with a special tooled screw and screwdriver. Don't know how available those are. There are also cable lock down devices. A hook that is glued to the desk, the cable is run through it, the hook is closed and locked, type deals.

Jammrock

[The PIT]

Why are you so surprised????

If ain't bolted down it will walk. All our computers are in cages and bolted down. Mice and keyboard cables are cable tied together under the table to slow down the casual thief. They still take the mouse balls of course and theres the odd case of vandlism.

The 24hr open access room has survalliance cameras which catches the odd wanker, no lies sitting at the back of the room.

This doesn't stop the cooler thiefs who put on overalls and get the porters to assist them in removing the pc's.

[The PIT]

I'm not a fan of glueing. I've taken a screw driver a few times to securley glued computer equipment and one sharp tap or not so sharp tap and in most cases it's off.

[az]

Aren't there also cable locks that sound an alarm when they're cut through? If not, it should be easy to rig something like that.

AZ

[TnT]

I'm not suprised, just find it fairly ridiculous that college educated people would steal from a public lab.

We probably can't do glueing. Although I'll bring it up with the others. Most cables are tied together under the desk but DVI cables and such are fairly short; using special screws is an interesting idea. Although it may be cheaper to replace cables than to lock them down

Due to privacy issues, which libraries are key proponents of, a security cam has been frowned upon. The last theft with someone actually cutting through the cable may tip them towards implementing it though.

Funny thing about computer labs is the number of people who look at porn on them.

Actually now that I think about it, I'm more disappointed in the type of people my school accepts as I've run into many who don't deserve to be here... oh the stupid crap that has happened.

We once had a student call in a bomb threat to the library. He was trying to delay the class he had that was held there because he didn't finish his project. They got the number that the call came in from and found out that it was from a payphone near campus. There are security cameras above those phones. The dumbass was soon caught. The guy was getting a masters in education and frequently used our lab. We had actually banned him from the lab a few weeks prior for other reasons.

[Fat Tone]

All our 'open access' PCs are in metal cases with heavy duty locks. The cases are bolted either to the floor or to the bench (with coach bolts so you can't use a tool on them). Even if you got the case loose you aren't going anywhere very fast cos they weigh an awful lot. We haven't had much loss of keyboards/mice, but now I've said that...

I'm about to order 80 glass-fronted TFTs for our new labs...choice is limited by the construction of the stand which has to be metal so we can put a cage around that. We never bothered with the CRTs and never lost one.

Cost of the cases are about £100 for the PC and £50 for the monitor. Trouble is every new batch of PCs will be a different size and so new security cases are needed.

Cameras are essential. What do you need privacy for when you are in a public library?

We've lost more printers than anything else! Thank God for the tank-busting 5SiMX!

[isochar]

^^ ROFL. An education isn't indicative of morals or ethics... lawyers and business people are definitive examples of that. (Of which I am part of :/ )

[Paddy]

Want my solution???

I'll sell you a bunch of 386's for half the price of your current PC's + security measures. You won't be able to give them away!

[agallag]

Originally posted by az
Aren't there also cable locks that sound an alarm when they're cut through? If not, it should be easy to rig something like that.

AZ

Those cable locks are amazingly easy to compromise. I had to "disable" one when a coworker forgot the combination. You just pry off the battery cover with a screwdriver, remove the battery, and then cut the cable with wire cutters. Takes about 15 seconds if you have those tools.

[Marshmallowman]

setup a webcam...feed it directly to some remote computer...you should either see whoever is doing it, or see whoever steals the webcam

[DGhost]

the computer labs at the school i used to go to only had one exit, and the desk was right by it.

my personal suggestion would involve the liberal use of a tazer and frequent random searches.

[az]

Originally posted by agallag
Those cable locks are amazingly easy to compromise. I had to "disable" one when a coworker forgot the combination. You just pry off the battery cover with a screwdriver, remove the battery, and then cut the cable with wire cutters. Takes about 15 seconds if you have those tools.

Yeah, but in a computer lab, you could put the battery part somewhere people can't reach it.

AZ

[Lizzard[MPE]]

what would you want with a mouse ball?

[MultimediaMan]

Two Words: Thin Client: Much easier to secure, useless if stolen. Sure, you have to run it from a Terminal Server, but if you have more than 5 workstations to maintain this is a MUCH better option. Most Thin Clients have Secure Installation features as well.

The Wyse 1200LE comes to mind...