Security (Attending)

Giving consideration to both your hardware and software security at a LAN is very worthwhile, as there is typically a lot of expensive equipment around, in addition to a higher potential of virus infection and hacking while sharing a local network with un-trusted computers. This of course probably does not apply if you are attending a private friends-only LAN party.

Physical Security

Though LAN parties are usually a friendly trusting arena, you may wish to protect your equipment from theft.

Kensington Lock

Your computer, console, laptop or screen may have a "Kensington Security Slot" allowing for a Kensington lock to be looped around the table leg and/or between equipment and then locked into one of your devices. This will prevent opportunist thieves as everything is at least tied together, or tethered to the table. Kensington Locks can be defeated with a hammer, but this is a lot more obvious

Sleeping at Computer

Some events allow you to sleep at your desk - this reduces the chance of a thief stealing your equipment, though could be uncomfortable and loud.

Computer Security

Unlike in your home, you are not sharing your network with other trusted devices, protected behind a home router from other unknown devices and attackers. Here are a few recommendations for keeping your computer safe and clean during a LAN party. This section does not apply to consoles.

Firewall

It is recommended you use a software firewall on your computer. All modern operating systems include one, though 3rd party solutions can be used. A firewall will typically by default block traffic being sent to your computer, unless you expressly allow it. It can also block traffic leaving your computer unless you allow it, but typically applications running on your computer are allowed to access the local network, e.g. allowing multiplayer games to connect to local or internet servers. See Wikipedia's article for more info.

Antivirus

It's likely that you'll download and run files from other computers during the event, so running antivirus is recommended so malicious files are blocked.

Computer Locking

On Windows it is possible to lock your computer by pressing the Windows key and the L key. When you step away from your computer, you can lock it in this way to prevent others from gaining access without having to log out, closing all your applications.

Passwords

Setting a good password is important not only to prevent someone from logging in, but also to prevent someone from logging in via the network. Passwords that are dictionary words are easily brute-forced so use a password generator or a password strategy.