Secure your office

15 Mar 2012

How to prevent unauthorised acccess to offices or other areas where information or personal possessions are kept.

The University has had a recent increase in the number of thefts from offices. Many University buildings have open access to students and members of the public and it’s often difficult to know who is an authorised visitor and who isn’t.

Preventing unauthorised access to offices or other areas where information or personal possessions are kept is one of the most effective forms of protection:

• Lock away portable electronic equipment, particularly laptops and mobile phones
• Keep personal possessions in a secure place such as a locked drawer
• Make sure windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave a room unattended
• Ensure that ground floor windows are locked and blinds drawn during hours of darkness
• Make sure you know who is entitled to access your particular area
• Don’t undermine swipe card access controls by allowing someone to follow behind you without swiping (tail-gating)
• If you encounter unknown persons in secure areas, ask if you can assist them if you feel confident to do so

If you are uncomfortable with challenging a visitor, you should speak to your line manager or, if you are suspicious of their motives, call security staff immediately who will be happy to attend to verify whether the person is genuine or not - the telephone number is on the back of your staff card.

Barbara Frost
Information Security Manager