As the title implies, this thread will focus on all things security.
Tried to find a similar thread but had no luck, so hopefully, this isn't a duplicate. My apologies if it is!
What are some of the tips, tricks, and tools you use to protect your grow space? We're mainly focusing on physical security against things like theft, and law enforcement, as well as any computer/network security measures that may be applicable.
My main security measures are as follows;
-Medeco locks on entrances (I use the Medeco Maxum with the mechanical (m3) cylinder)- Medeco locks are surprisingly expensive, but especially if you live in a rough neighborhood they are, combined with an adequately strong door, one of the best investments you can make. There is a good reason doctors offices and pharmacies trust these locks to protect thousands, even millions of dollars worth of medication. Medico locks with Biaxial or Abloy cores are virtually unpickable, even by your average locksmith. I used to have a Weiser Kevo (I don't remember the particular model) and I had terrible experiences with it. I'm not sure if it was installed incorrectly, however, the lock broke allowing it to be unlocked by forcibly twisting the entire housing!
-Carbon Filters for odor - This is nothing new, I'm sure everyone in these forums is well aware of the need to control odors. I will, however, provide a good recommendation. Alen HEPA-Silver-Carbon filters, although relatively costly, work wonders for reducing odor just like any Carbon filter and have the added benefit of reducing dust, mold and bacteria spores in the air which reduces plant disease risk. All of my indoor setups use these filters. They last for about one crop rotation before their odor reducing qualities start to become less effective.
-Motion detector lighting - This is one of the cheapest and most proven effective methods for protecting against break-ins. Break-ins are most common in properties in which visibility of the entrance is low ie. those with lots of dense shrubs/trees and limited lighting. I prefer bright LED flood-lights.
-Full Disk Encryption Including Boot Encryption with LUKS (and other computer/network security measures) - Done to protect detailed information about my growing practices as well as work-related information. LUKS is an open-source disk encryption utility for Unix operating systems that uses AES-256 encryption that includes the boot partition. Despite common misconception, the advent of quantum computing doesn't make encryption "useless" (symmetric encryption schemes are "quantum resistant"). Done right - it works - and one of the only ways to bypass properly implemented encryption is by exploiting user error. I also use a mobile Bluetooth based 2-factor authentication utility for system login, and Bleachbit (yes, the same Bleachbit infamously used in the Clinton email scandal), which is a free but effective software that securely deletes and overwrites sensitive information on physical media. I run a well-updated version of Linux Mint Cinnamon Edition and used only a wired Internet connection (although good wireless encryption is sufficient in my opinion). I only use one browser addon for security, and that is the No-Script Suite Lite utility, which blocks all scripts from running on any website that you have not previously visited and whitelisted with the exception of well-trusted sites ie. Google. It takes a while to get used to the constant whitelisting but once you do it's honestly pretty user-friendly. I wouldn't recommend any other security addon for Chrome or Firefox, but whitelisting is a technique that is proven to be effective because by nature it does not rely on having to recognize or detect malicious code/malware.
-GFCI Outlets or AFCI Protection- less of a security practice and more of a safety practice, I always recommend using GFCI outlets for indoor growing, especially hydroponics, if not complete AFCI protection. Even with quality equipment that is unlikely to fail, current leaks and especially arcs can lead to electrical fires if the leak is not detected and the supply of electricity cut off. Insurance companies don't like to hear that you burned your house down producing what may be a controlled substance in your area. Say goodbye to your coverage and hello to bankruptcy! GFCIs are not intended to prevent electrical fires, but they can prevent some electrical fires, primarily those caused by physical damage to energized cables, one of the more likely sources of an arc in a grow-room or hydroponics system.
What are some of the tips, tricks, and tools you use to protect your grow space?