Re: Physical Computer Location

From: John R. Morris (bishop_at_lycurgus.nerdality.com)
Date: 08/25/03

  • Next message: Jeff McClintock: "Network Design" 
    Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2003 09:42:47 -0700
To: Thomas Graf <tgraf@swmail.sw.org>

    These computers are on a network, so presumably they have network cards.
    Keep a record of the MAC address, associated in a database with the
    machine info (and who you gave it to, what network port it is plugged
    into). Combined with a wiring diagram of your network ports, you can then
    know where you plugged it in, and find it by querying your switches
    when it moves on you. Cisco and other major switch vendors all have ways
    to not only see what MAC address is plugged into what port, but also do
    other neat things based on that, like dynamic VLAN assignment. You could
    easily write a script the compares the "live" ports things are on with
    their database ones, and e-mails you any changes.

    - John
    On Mon, 25 Aug 2003, Thomas Graf wrote:

    > Hello everyone!
    >
    > I am a newbie trying to make some in-roads in the network security
    > department. I work at a hospital with approximately 1000 users but
    > about 3000 computers. We are currently rolling out new computers and
    > are having problems after they are installed. For example, we replace
    > the secretary's computer but the doctor is fussing because he is not
    > getting a new one. So, he being the powerful doctor will swap the new
    > one with his old one. We then have the wrong location listed on the
    > information database for that computer. We try to correct the situation
    > as much as we can but this being a huge hospital, it gets very hard.
    > So, what can we do to keep track of any physical movements of the
    > computer over the network? Any suggestions are acceptable. We just
    > can't lock down the computers because of all the movements in
    > departments because of construction.
    >
    > Thomas Graf
    > IS Hardware/Software Tech
    > (254)724-0155
    >
    > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    > Attend Black Hat Briefings & Training Federal, September 29-30 (Training),
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    > Symantec is the Diamond sponsor. Early-bird registration ends September 6.Visit us: www.blackhat.com
    > ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    >

    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Attend Black Hat Briefings & Training Federal, September 29-30 (Training),
    October 1-2 (Briefings) in Tysons Corner, VA; the world's premier
    technical IT security event. Modeled after the famous Black Hat event in
    Las Vegas! 6 tracks, 12 training sessions, top speakers and sponsors.
    Symantec is the Diamond sponsor. Early-bird registration ends September 6.Visit us: www.blackhat.com
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

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