Port security device for computing devices and method of operating such

A port security device for use with a first computing device that communicates on a first network, the port security device comprising:

• a plug positionable in a port of the first computing device;
• a housing configured to restrict access to the plug when the plug is positioned in the port of the first computing device, wherein the port security device is positionable between a locked position in which the housing inhibits access to the port and an unlocked position in which the housing allows access to the port, the plug being accessible and removable from the port when the port security device is in the unlocked position;
• a sensor configured to detect when the port security device moves between the locked position and the unlocked position;
• and
• a transceiver configured to send a signal to an access point when the port security device moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein the access point is configured to communicate with a second computing device to allow monitoring of the status of the port, wherein the access point, the second computing device, and the port security device are out-of-band of the first computing device and communicate on a second network isolated from the first network to prevent the first computing device accessing communications between the port security device, the access point, and the second computing device and to prevent a user from controlling the port security device from the first computing device.

A method of securing a port of an interconnected computing device that communicates on a first network, the method comprising:

• providing a port security device configured to connect to the interconnected computing device adjacent the port, the port security device including a housing, wherein the port security device is positionable between a locked position in which the housing inhibits access to the port and an unlocked position in which the housing allows access to the port;
• detecting, using a sensor, when the port security device moves between the locked position and the unlocked position;
• and
• sending a signal to an access point when the sensor detects that the port security device moves between the locked position and the unlocked position, wherein the access point is configured to communicate with a computing device remote from the interconnected computing device to allow monitoring of the status of the port, wherein the remote computing device, the access point, and the port security device are out-of-band of the interconnected computing device and communicate on a second network isolated from the first network to prevent the interconnected computing device accessing communications between the port security device, the access point, and the remote computing device and to prevent a user from controlling the port security device from the interconnected computing device.