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UITS News - 2008


To: University Students, Faculty and Staff
From: UITS Security Office
Date: 30 Jul 2008
Subject: Security Focus: Recovering Stolen Computers

The University of Connecticut has implemented the Network Registration system, which allows faculty, staff, and students to register their computers for use on the University network. This helps the University monitor bandwidth and abuse of networking resources, but it also provides a little-known benefit to individuals and departments with lost or stolen computers.

The NetReg system acts as a database of known computers on the UConn network. When a computer connects to the network, it first contacts the NetReg system to verify that the computer has been registered. If so, it is allowed to use the network; if not, the computer must first be registered before being allowed to continue. It is this process that allows UITS to track stolen computers which are used on the University’s network.

How is this accomplished? Every computer, regardless of type, is assigned a globally unique number for use in communicating on networks. This number, called a MAC address, is what is used by the NetReg system to verify that each computer using the network has been registered. Specific MAC addresses can be flagged in the NetReg system so that when a computer with that MAC address connects to the University network the NetReg system notifies UITS. This process allows UITS to work with University departments and Police to locate computers which have been lost or stolen.

Here’s what you can do to take advantage of this capability in the event that a computer is lost or stolen:

  1. Use your UConn NetID to register all computers that you use with the Network Registration System, or NetReg, at http://netreg.uconn.edu.
  2. Locate your computers’ MAC addresses and keep track of them in a spreadsheet or database. You can find the MAC addresses of your computers by following the steps below:
    • In Windows:
      1. Click Start, then Run
      2. Type cmd in the text box and click on OK
      3. Type in ipconfig /all in the window that appears
      4. Write down the 12-character address that appears in the window next to Physical Address in the format 01-02-03-0A-0B-0C
    • In Macintosh OS X
      1. Open System Preferences and select Network
      2. Choose a Location and choose the correct network card near Show (i.e., Built-In Ethernet)
      3. For 'Built-in Ethernet', select the Ethernet tab.
      4. Your MAC address will be labeled Ethernet ID: and will be in the format 01-02-03-0A-0B-0C

If your computer is lost or stolen:

  1. Report it to the UConn Police Department immediately. Be sure to take note of your Police Case Number
  2. Call the UITS Help Center at (860)486-4357 option #3 and provide your Police Case Number and MAC address of the missing computer.

If your computer is located on the UConn network once it has been reported, UITS will notify the UConn Police, who will then pursue locating the computer.

Keeping an updated list of MAC addresses is a critical part of this process. All computers purchased by departments should be recorded as soon as possible, even prior to being distributed for use by individuals or labs. As soon as computers are delivered, important information about the computer should be recorded, such as the make and model, serial number, and of course, the MAC address.

With a little advance preparation you may be able to recover missing computers which belong to you or your department. Take note of your computer MAC addresses today and be prepared!

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