PC Tabs

Policies

1. Requisition

2. Security survey

  • 2.1 The process of the security survey may include consultation with the requestor and Network and Communication Services (NCS), Security survey will take approximately one to two weeks to perform.
  • 2.2 The process involves the following steps:
    • 2.2.1 Evaluating existing security measures
    • 2.2.2 Identifying deficiencies
    • 2.2.3 Establishing what, if any, added protection is needed
    • 2.2.4 Recommending measures to enhance overall security

3. Request processing

  • 3.1 Once the security survey has been completed and recommendations made, your request is processed by Security Services via e-mail to NCS
  • 3.2 NCS will return a price quote to Security Services that will be forwarded to you
  • 3.3 If you approve the quote, e-mail a FOAPAL to lenel.security@mcgill.ca. In return, this will be distributed to NCS to begin installations.

4. Installation

5. Accompanying devices

  • 5.1 It is strongly recommended that all PC Tabs be accompanied by a siren
  • 5.2 Any room with more than five PC Tabs should have an alarm panel to be managed by the administrator
    • 5.2.1 Rooms with fewer than five PC Tabs may have an alarm panel if it is requested, but are otherwise managed by Security Services

6. Moving the PC/Performing maintenance

  • 6.1 The PC Tab should be disarmed before the PC is moved or if maintenance needs to be performed.
    • 6.1.1 If you have an alarm panel connected to your PC Tabs, you may disarm them on your own, then rearm the panel when moving or work is complete
      • 6.1.1.1 Some alarm panels put the PCs on zones; if your alarm panel does this, you should only disarm the zone you are working on, so that the other PCs remain protected
    • 6.1.2 If you do not have an alarm panel, contact #4562 or lenel.security@mcgill.ca to mask (temporarily disable) the alarm (have your ID and password ready)
      • 6.1.2.1 You are responsible for following up and requesting that the alarm be unmasked (enabled) when you are finished, otherwise your PC will not be protected

7. Testing

  • 7.1 PC Tabs should be tested on a monthly basis; this is the only way to know if the PC Tabs are actually working
  • 7.2 To test the PC Tab:
    • 7.2.1 Call #4562, or #8610 for Macdonald campus, to set a convenient time for the testing (have your ID and password ready)
    • 7.2.2 Remove the PC Tab from the PC; the siren should sound
    • 7.2.3 Call #4562, or #8610 for Macdonald campus, to ask if they’ve received the alarm
    • 7.2.4 If the alarm is received, the PC Tab works; reattach it
  • 7.3 If the test is not successful (the siren doesn’t sound, Security Services doesn’t receive the alarm, etc.), a work ticket will be issued to NCS by Security Services

8. False alarms

  • 8.1 False alarms strain our resources, as Security Services Patrollers are sent to investigate the alarms
  • 8.2 Security Services has implemented a new system to deal with false alarms
    • 8.2.1 If numerous false alarms are received, Security Services will go on-site to determine if the problem is caused by faulty hardware or by negligence
      • 8.2.1.1 If the problem is hardware-related, a work order will be written in order to fix the problem
      • 8.2.1.2 If the problem is due to users, the administrator will receive an e-mail reminding him or her to reduce the incidence of false alarms
        • 8.2.1.2.1 If the false alarms continue, additional e-mail reminders will be sent
        • 8.2.1.2.2 After three e-mail reminders without a reduction in the number of alarms, the alarm will be masked and Security Services will not monitor or respond to any alarms
        • 8.2.1.2.3 Security Services asks that administrators do as much as possible in advance to prevent false alarms so that such a situation rarely arises
  • 8.3 If a false alarm is accidently triggered please call SOC immediately at 398-3000. For Macdonald campus call SOC at 398-7770.

9. Contacting Security Services

  • 9.1 To contact Security Services regarding PC Tabs, e-mail lenel.security@mcgill.ca or call 398-4562. During silent hours, call the Security Operation Centre (SOC) at 398-3000. For Macdonald Campus, E-mail lenel.macsecurity@mcgill.ca, or call 398-8610. During silent hours, call the SOC at 398-7770.
  • 9.1.1 All requests concerning PC Tabs (masking the alarm, etc.) must be made at least 48 hours in advance
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Frequently asked questions about PC tabs

1. Why should I get a PC Tab?

Any room with a large number of PCs should have PC Tabs, to guard against theft. Even small offices with a single PC can have a PC Tab, depending on the value of the assets, both physical and data-based. If there is a lot of valuable data on a computer that you want protected, a PC Tab may be a worthwhile investment.

2. What will the cost be?

The cost will be determined by NCS after the security survey. A rough idea of the cost can be obtained by visiting the NCS website at http://www.mcgill.ca/ncs/rates/physical/security

3. Is there a limit to how many PC Tabs can I order at once?

No. You may order as many as you need. Please indicate how many you require on the device request form.

4. To what can I attach a PC Tab?

They can be attached to computer towers, monitors, and printers. Please indicate what device(s) you want the PC Tab(s) attached to when you fill out the device request form.

5. Are there special procedures for equipping a whole room (such as a new computer lab) with PC Tabs?

When you fill out the form, indicate the type of area in which you wish to place the PC Tabs. When the on-site survey is conducted, Security Services will recommend any special procedures or additional equipment (such as cameras or card readers).

6. Is the installation done during the day or night? Will I be able to use my computer during installation?

Installation is performed during business hours, and will not affect your ability to use your computer.

7. Will I hear this alarm?

Yes, it will sound loudly if you have installed the siren. While this may be occasionally inconvenient, it is for your security, as a siren acts an effective deterrent to a potential theft. Therefore, if you know that there is the possibility that the PC Tab will become disconnected (such as while moving the computer), contact Security Services to mask the alarm, or disarm it yourself.

8. What is the typical response to an alarm?

The alarm is received at the SOC and a patroller will be sent to verify the area and make sure all the PCs are secure.

9. Do PC Tabs always work as a deterrent to theft? What else can I do to protect my data?

While PC Tabs are an excellent way to significantly reduce the incidence of PC theft, they are not infallible, and no security device can ever be 100 percent effective. Therefore, Security Services strongly recommends that all important data be backed up or saved on a server.

10. What happens if a potential thief cuts the wires? Does that trigger an alarm?

Yes. Anything that causes the PC Tab to lose communication with the PC will trigger an alarm.

11. Can the PC Tab be removed if I no longer want it?

Yes, it can be taken off without causing damage to the machine or leaving any marks.

12. Where can I find out more information about PC Tabs?

Some additional information about how PC Tabs work can be found at http://www.mcgill.ca/ncs/products/securityphysical/pctabs/.

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