Security Labels – One Form of Computer Protection

Keeping Information Secure Includes Protecting the Devices That Contain It

Information security relies heavily on protecting the integrity of information itself through secure data transfers, backup equipment, and software. Another important part of the business continuity concept of security relies on the equipment itself being safe and secure. For desktops this focuses heavily on secure connections to internal or external networks. For portable devices such as laptops there is the added concern of physical security. Laptop cases and security labels are two methods of securing a portable device against common physical threats.

A Security Label - Protects Systems

Laptops by their very nature of being portable are susceptible to more damaging tasks and environments than desktops. Laptop cases are designed to provide a certain level of security against physical damage. Another danger to protect portable equipment from is theft. A stolen laptop or other small device not only means the loss of a possibly expensive asset, but it can also be a serious compromise in the security of the information on the device.

Securing special labels to these devices represents one method of keeping laptops secure when it comes to theft. These labels have inventory codes with the rightful owner’s information. When removed, these labels leave behind a sticky inner layer that reads “VOID” or something similar. The label’s inner layer cannot be removed without damaging the device.

Metal Plate - A Security Label

Another form of secure label is a metal plate with return information stamped or etched into it. The metal label takes significant pressure to remove and leaves behind a residue layer from the label that reads something in the way of “STOLEN”. Removing this label residue also damages the device. The security protection against theft comes from the fact that it is illegal for used computer merchants or anyone else to purchase a device with this marking.

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