Biometrics

This technology is no longer expensive, complex to use, or for the exclusive enjoyment of large companies and the government.. Passwords can be broken but it is almost impossible for a typical person to fake a biometric identity (and if you’re in a business where that’s likely you probably know much more about this sort of thing already!).

On the next page are two inexpensive, highly functional biometrics devices. One can be used to protect a system, the other is a self-contained storage unit.

These are just two examples of the options available for this cutting-edge technology.

Shock Proof Drives

Many options exist for nearly shock proof drives — but expect to pay a lot, about double, for similar capacities in a “regular” and a shock proof unit.

Bolt it down

With all the various potential disasters we’ve discussed, it is worth mentioning one of the simplest and most costly of all — some nefarious individual making off with your stuff!

There are many ways to protect equipment, but one of the cheapest and oldest often remains one of the best. Stalwart accessory maker Kensington invented the “micro-saver” system about 20 years ago, and it remains useful, and inexpensive, today.

APC Biometric BIOPOD device

This allows you to control access to systems or data by requiring fingerprint verification, which, this side of the newest Mission Impossible movie, is virtually impossible to defeat. This technology is not just for the FBI anymore.

Price: About $50

Sandisk Cruzer Profile Biometric Jump Drive

If protecting your whole system with biometrics is too much, you can buy a wide variety of portable storage devices that require fingerprint identification to function.

Price: About $60

Plextor PX-SP12U-NA Shock Proof Drive

This drive is encased in silicon and is made of a special aluminum designed to withstand serious abuse. If you need it, it costs about twice what a
similar capacity not shockproof unit costs.

Price: About $250

Kensington Microsaver System

Simple but effective, this system cables all of your expensive equipment together, and to a fixed object like a desk, making it very unlikely someone will walk off with your machines. Similar kits exist for laptops, etc. The system resists 750 pounds of force.

Price: About $25