Novel approach to computer security

November 2004 Information Security

As nationwide concern over the alarming number of computer thefts increases, PC Professionals has launched IT Surveillance System (itss) - a first in IT surveillance and computer security that will revolutionise the way we protect and safeguard computers and intellectual property.

"According to the 'Insurance Industry Engineering Book of Business', R205 million was paid out towards computer theft in 2003," managing director of PC Professionals, Jason Roper explains. "The itss anti-theft mechanism provides a cost-effective security system suitable for small to large companies. The system enables companies to detect internal and external corruption, theft, fraud and sabotage, which will prevent massive financial losses in the business environment."

The itss consists of a 'screamer' unit which slots inside each PC that links with the master control unit (MCU), placed within the company's mainframe. Working transparently within the company's existing network infrastructure and using available network cables, this plug-and-play concept is quick to install.

The system proactively protects computer equipment by sending an SMS to designated people as soon as the computer is disconnected, opened or tampered with. Any tampering, dismantling or disconnection of the computer will cause the screamer unit to emit a 97-decibel siren to deter any would-be thieves.

The MCU remains active 24 hours a day, regardless of power failures. Running independently of any hardware and software, it is undetectable to unauthorised people. Internal corruption is prevented by a logging system, which records any changes or input to the system. Any changes to the system are logged on the MCU and can only be downloaded by approved personnel.

Although local statistics are not available, a 2003 international survey by New York-based BSI reports the value of proprietary data on respondents' stolen computers to average around an astounding US$ 690,759 per stolen computer. 72% of respondents reported downtime due to computer theft, ranging from several days to more than one month. Almost 44% of the survey participants have been victim to computer theft in the last 12 months.

Corresponding with international trends, The SA Insurance Association (SAIA) believes that it takes a mere two minutes from breaking and entering the premises, for a thief to disappear with the company's intellectual property.

More alarming though, is the recurrence of computer theft within a 30-day period - or within the time it takes for the insurance company to replace the stolen computers.

"With more than 60% of all South African companies having fallen victim to computer theft over the past year, according to industry resources, it is apparent that this specialised and pre-meditated form of crime has taken epic proportions," Roper continues. "itss has the power to significantly lower the financial losses incurred in computer theft."

For more information contact PC Professionals, 011 865 4628, [email protected], www.pc-professionals.org





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Highest increase in global cyberattacks in two years
Information Security News & Events
Check Point Global Research released new data on Q2 2024 cyber-attack trends, noting a 30% global increase in Q2 2024, with Africa experiencing the highest average weekly per organisation.

Read more...
What does Agentic AI mean for cybersecurity?
Information Security AI & Data Analytics
AI agents will change how we work by scheduling meetings on our behalf and even managing supply chain items. However, without adequate protection, they become soft targets for criminals.

Read more...
Phishing attacks through SVG image files
Kaspersky News & Events Information Security
Kaspersky has detected a new trend: attackers are distributing phishing emails to individual and corporate users with attachments in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files, a format commonly used for storing images.

Read more...
Crypto in SA: between progress and precaution
Information Security
“As cryptocurrency gains momentum and legitimacy, it’s becoming increasingly important for people to pay attention to financial security”, says Richard Frost, head of technology and innovation at Armata Cyber Security.

Read more...
Cyber recovery requires a different approach to disaster recovery
Information Security
Disaster recovery is about getting operations back on track after unexpected disruptions; cyber recovery, however, is about calculated actions by bad actors aiming to disrupt your business, steal sensitive data, or hold your system hostage.

Read more...
MDR users claim 97,5% less
Sophos Information Security
The average cyber insurance claim following a significant cyberattack is just $75 000 for MDR users, compared with $3 million for endpoint-only users, according to a new independent study.

Read more...
The impact of GenAI on cybersecurity
Sophos News & Events Information Security
Sophos survey finds that 89% of IT leaders worry GenAI flaws could negatively impact their organisation’s cybersecurity strategies, with 87% of respondents stating they were concerned about a resulting lack of cybersecurity accountability.

Read more...
Efficient, future-proof estate security and management
Technews Publishing ElementC Solutions Duxbury Networking Fang Fences & Guards Secutel Technologies OneSpace Technologies DeepAlert SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Information Security Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
In February this year, SMART Security Solutions travelled to Cape Town to experience the unbelievable experience of a city where potholes are fixed, and traffic lights work; and to host the Cape Town SMART Estate Security Conference 2025.

Read more...
Kaspersky KATA 7.0 for targeted attack protection
Information Security Products & Solutions
] Kaspersky has announced a major update to its Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack (KATA) including enhanced network detection and response (NDR) capabilities with deeper network visibility, internal threats detection and other critical security features.

Read more...
The role of advanced technologies in ransomware recovery
Information Security
As businesses increasingly adopt cloud technologies, the complexities of maintaining resilience and ensuring rapid recovery from such incidents become even more pronounced. The integration of advanced technologies is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.

Read more...