Aug 02 2009
Hardware Threats
Threats to Hardware are obvious and unsubtle. You can smash up the computer equipment with a hammer, but hard drives are remarkably robust, and the data can be lifted off them by experts who charge a fortune to do so. Voltage spikes through the power supply can destroy the central processing unit and the RAM. This is why it is not advisable to use a computer during a thunderstorm.
Magnetic fields from an ordinary magnet can destroy or corrupt data held magnetic storage media. A monitor placed near to hifi speakers can produce a distorted image and the damage can be permanent.
Criminals can also use equipment that can damage the hardware such as high powered electromagnetic pulse generators.
Deliberate destruction of computer equipment is covered by laws on Criminal Damage.
As with any valuable item, reasonable precautions should be taken to prevent theft or other damage including:
- locking important items in a secure room
- having restricted access to the servers
- locking laptops to desks with wire loops and padlocks.
NEXT: The Legal Framework