Novel locks secure educational IT assets

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Apr 5, 2005

IT theft is a major concern for computer users across the country and nowhere is this more keenly felt than in the many schools and colleges targeted by such thieves.

IT theft is a major concern for computer users across the country and nowhere is this more keenly felt than in the many schools and colleges targeted by such thieves.

Criminals know there are rich pickings to be had in many such computer departments and stolen IT equipment is a commodity that is easily sold on through the internet, local newspapers, car boot sales and via no questions asked second hand retailers.

But one company has come up with an answer to prevent such thefts.

Sidcup based Comproom has developed the Legsafe, a specialist computer security solution that both stores and secures a computer base unit underneath the work unit, freeing up space on the surface.

"Proof we'd got our choice of security just right", says Comproom owner Tim Peters, "was when a school in Nottinghamshire using our Legsafes was broken into".

"No amateurs, the thieves cut through metal gates, neutralised the alarm system and removed a complete double glazing unit to gain access to the school's computer room".

"But having done all that the thieves left the room empty handed thanks to Comproom's security devices and Camlock's locks, as they could neither remove the computers from the Legsafes nor release the whole units from the floor - saving the school not only the effort of replacing computer hardware but also all the re-installation of software and the possible loss of pupils' work".

Comproom's new Cluster furniture consists of a central island unit, which houses three PCs protected by their anti-burglar-proven Legsafe security mechanism with either 15 or 17in TFT flat screen monitors secured to the unit.

The Legsafe is fastened to the floor of the classroom making unauthorised movement impossible.

The unit also features built-in cable management keeping the vast majority of cabling out of sight, making it neat and tidy, and the whole thing runs safely from one 13A plug.

Three work tables can be used beside the unit or moved away as required quickly and safely without lifting.

To make the units even more secure, Comproom called in security lock specialist Camlock Systems to supply the locking mechanisms, specifying Camlock's high-performance Octagon locks.

Peters adds: "Being used in a school or college environment, key control was a vital concern and we wanted a key body that could not be obtained on the open market or cut or copied by any key cutters".

"To achieve this we specified the Octagon lock from Camlock as one of its many security features is a patented, octagonal shaped key which overcomes the problem of thieves using duplicate keys which can be easily obtained from high street outlets".

Stephen Farnsworth, Managing Director of Camlock Systems, said: "We worked closely with Comproom on this project to provide them with a customised lock that was designed to suit this particular application, helping them streamline their manufacturing operation".

"Our Octagon lock features a patented mechanism and provides greatly enhanced protection against the use of unauthorised duplicate keys, the misuse of authorised keys and lock picks, which are now easily available to anyone via the Internet".

"Key blanks for the Octagon are never issued; keys are registered to the customer and are then only ever made available by Camlock to authorised signatories".