Each month, the Division of IT hi-lights a service provided to the campus. This month’s service is Physical Computer Security.
Service name
Physical Computer Security
Service description
The Division of IT (DoIT) offers assistance to identify and procure appropriate security methods for University-owned or personal computers. We will help install and implement the selected security devices or systems for University-owned computers.
University-owned laptops come with two security features – the WCU logo etched onto the cover and Computrace Complete installed to help locate lost or stolen machines.
From University Policy 67 (http://www.wcu.edu/about-wcu/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/university-policies/numerical-index/university-policy-67.asp):
Purchases of desktop/laptop computers, servers, disk drives, printers, and other external computer peripheral devices by Western Carolina University departments and offices must be accompanied by purchase and installation of security devices and software that effectively prevent theft of the equipment. Information Technology and Purchasing Office personnel will assist departments in identifying and procuring appropriate security methods for the equipment being acquired. Budgetary responsibility for purchase and installation of these security methods will reside with the University department acquiring the equipment.
Exceptions to this policy may be made for equipment whose value does not exceed $250, if the equipment is meant to be portable, or if the user department and the Director of University Police judge that the equipment’s location will be sufficiently protected to minimize the risk of theft.
Requirements/limitations
This service is available for both University-owned assets as well as personally-owned computers.
Eligibility
Faculty, staff, and students are eligible for this service.
Access/Request this service
Contact the IT Help Desk to arrange a consultation.
Service Availability
By appointment 8:00am-5:00pm M-F
IT’s Role
DoIT staff will recommend a security method and assist in installation.
Support
Contact the IT Help Desk
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed weekends and university holidays
Call: 227-7487 or 866-928-7487 (toll free)
E-mail: ithelp@wcu.edu
Log in: Online Help Desk/IT Self-Service <http://ithelp.wcu.edu/>
Faculty and Staff
username – wcu\WCU account username
password – WCU account password
Students
username – wcu\Catamount account username
password – your PIN or password
Visit the Technology Commons
On the ground floor of Hunter Library
For walk-up technology assistance for faculty, staff and students
We’re open the same hours as Hunter Library
Charge for this Service
Equipment costs for physical security (approximately $35 per kit).
Licensing fee for Computrace Complete or LoJack ($75.00 per computer).
Fee for Engraving of computers ($17.50 per computer).
All of the services IT provides may be found at this link.