Guest Post: Protect Your Digital Signage Investment

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If you have made a substantial investment in digital signage, you might want to consider adding some protection to safeguard it. While existing security measures might work, they may not be sufficient when you take into account the enticing new equipment you have hanging on your wall.

There are many affordable ways to prevent theft or vandalism of your signage. However, before purchasing more equipment, you might want to address the low hanging fruit first:

Secure your Facility – If the existing security systems to access your facility are marginal, this would be a good time to go ahead and upgrade them.
Location of the Signage – If possible, mount your digital signage up high where it is out of reach. When your facility is closed, lock ladders, step stools and tools in a closet. If you can’t mount the display up high, add a counter or barrier to prevent patrons from coming in direct contact with it.
Lock Up Computer Equipment – Computers and other equipment related to your digital signage should be locked up and out of sight. Make sure the area is clean and well ventilated. The cords and cables should be neatly bundled and off the floor.
Protect Against Disasters – Take a quick survey of your installation and ask yourself, “What could possibly go wrong?” Is your signage located directly under a water pipe or air conditioner? Will the signage brackets hold up in an earthquake? If your signage falls, will it endanger your employees or customers? Are your systems adequately protected in the event of a power failure or power spike? Is your facility susceptible to flooding?
Insurance – Check with your insurance broker to ensure that your new equipment is adequately covered in the event of theft, disaster or vandalism.

Now let’s look at some tools you can use to secure your equipment. Keep in mind that security systems are more effective as a deterrent than as a way to “catch a thief”. Don’t try to hide them! This is particularly true with digital signage as it is unlikely that it will be recovered in good condition.

Security Tags – Record the serial numbers and tag your equipment to deter theft and assist with recovery. There are a variety of labeling systems available for theft prevention. Barcodes and RFID devices are now quite popular. It’s best if the tags are somewhat visible to would-be thieves.
Locks – Many types of cable locks are available to secure equipment to a fixed object. Be aware that some of these are easy to cut.
Anti-Theft Alarms – These can be affixed to the back of the equipment and have a cable sensor that is attached to a fixed object. When the cable sensor is breached, a very loud alarm on the display will go off.
Rigid Enclosures – These are advisable if your signage is outside or in an inhospitable environment. Some of these offerings are completely sealed and lockable. While they can be expensive, they probably provide the greatest protection.
Fabric Covers – Covers won’t prevent theft, but they can help protect your signage when not in use. Some of these are designed for outdoor environments.
Cameras – Security cameras can obviously help to deter theft and vandalism. If it works for you, the camera image can probably be included on part of your display! Internet based systems will allow you to keep an eye on your equipment when you are away. Fake cameras may be an option if you are on a tight budget.
GPS Tracking devices – While these are becoming more common, be aware that many of them have monthly service plans. Unless you display a sign that your assets are tracked, they won’t provide much of a deterrent.

By employing just a few of these techniques, you can probably convince potential thieves and vandals to move on to easier targets.

If your equipment does get stolen, be sure to file a police report immediately and provide the serial numbers and info from any ID tags. These will likely be loaded into a law enforcement database of stolen property. It might also be a good idea to keep an eye out for your equipment at local pawnshops or on Craigslist and eBay.

About Chris

Chris Long has been an on-the-floor store associate at a Home Depot in the Chicago suburbs since 2000. Chris also writes on electrical topics, including alarm systems and security cameras for the Home Depot website. Chris frequently provides advice on topics ranging from video surveillance to security for Home Depot.