I thought I would share an idea I’ve adapted from a previous career. I had a hard time deciding where to post this. Moderators please feel free to move it if you feel it would be more appropriate elsewhere. But it is a safety issue.
Many years ago I spent some time administering a computer network. We had a modem bank that allowed customers to upload medical billing information to our system, so security was important. One technique used at the time was called a Honey Pot. I don’t know if the technique is still used in network security, but the principle may be of interest to some on the forum.
The idea was to put one computer on the network that was less secure than all the others. Not so much that it was obvious, but one that just appeared to have been set up in haste without all the proper security features enabled. The machine wasn’t used for anything, and couldn’t be used to access any other system on the network. But to someone trying to hack into a network, it looked like a machine that would be worth a little effort to try to gain further access or information (lots of business related looking files). The machine was monitored to see if anyone ever came poking around looking for a way in. While they were poking around, we could watch their activity, track their IP address, etc. It was known as a Honey Pot.
We face many risk in dealing with refining and precious metals. Beyond the oft discussed chemical dangers, anyone dealing in precious metals, no matter how clandestine their activity, is at risk of being robbed. Anyone buying the chemicals we use is at risk of a visit from the MIB. Our “gummint” has, not that long ago, forced people to give up their gold holdings.
I have a Honey Pot. First, my main stash is not concentrated in one place, like a safe. A safe that is not huge, impossible to move, and extremely difficult to crack, is just doing a favor for the thieves by putting all valuables in one place for them. Mine are dispersed. Widely. But I do have one of those nice, lockable, “fireproof” security boxes that are available at most department stores. I keep it “hidden” in our bedroom closet (where else would an old curmudgeon like me hide his valuables?) under a small stack of clothes in a corner. It’s hidden, but a thief would have to be a complete ***** not to be able to find it. I keep some valuables in it. A few small ingots, some coins, some silver certificates, some jewelry, etc. Also some (copies of) important papers. It’s all expendable.
If someone robs my home, they will probably find my Honey Pot. They can easily bust it open, find all my valuables, and run away happy! If the Police, EPA, MIB come asking about what I use chemicals for I can show them my MSDS binder, chemical logs, lab, and the ingots in my Honey Pot. If it becomes illegal to own quantities of precious metals again, I will comply with the law and turn in everything in my Honey Pot.
Dave
Many years ago I spent some time administering a computer network. We had a modem bank that allowed customers to upload medical billing information to our system, so security was important. One technique used at the time was called a Honey Pot. I don’t know if the technique is still used in network security, but the principle may be of interest to some on the forum.
The idea was to put one computer on the network that was less secure than all the others. Not so much that it was obvious, but one that just appeared to have been set up in haste without all the proper security features enabled. The machine wasn’t used for anything, and couldn’t be used to access any other system on the network. But to someone trying to hack into a network, it looked like a machine that would be worth a little effort to try to gain further access or information (lots of business related looking files). The machine was monitored to see if anyone ever came poking around looking for a way in. While they were poking around, we could watch their activity, track their IP address, etc. It was known as a Honey Pot.
We face many risk in dealing with refining and precious metals. Beyond the oft discussed chemical dangers, anyone dealing in precious metals, no matter how clandestine their activity, is at risk of being robbed. Anyone buying the chemicals we use is at risk of a visit from the MIB. Our “gummint” has, not that long ago, forced people to give up their gold holdings.
I have a Honey Pot. First, my main stash is not concentrated in one place, like a safe. A safe that is not huge, impossible to move, and extremely difficult to crack, is just doing a favor for the thieves by putting all valuables in one place for them. Mine are dispersed. Widely. But I do have one of those nice, lockable, “fireproof” security boxes that are available at most department stores. I keep it “hidden” in our bedroom closet (where else would an old curmudgeon like me hide his valuables?) under a small stack of clothes in a corner. It’s hidden, but a thief would have to be a complete ***** not to be able to find it. I keep some valuables in it. A few small ingots, some coins, some silver certificates, some jewelry, etc. Also some (copies of) important papers. It’s all expendable.
If someone robs my home, they will probably find my Honey Pot. They can easily bust it open, find all my valuables, and run away happy! If the Police, EPA, MIB come asking about what I use chemicals for I can show them my MSDS binder, chemical logs, lab, and the ingots in my Honey Pot. If it becomes illegal to own quantities of precious metals again, I will comply with the law and turn in everything in my Honey Pot.
Dave
