Here are 9 ways to prevent your laptop from theft as well as an
explanation of laptop security devices that ensure
your laptop and data are protected.
It is great to be able to take your computer with you and use it
anywhere. But with these benefits comes a risk of theft. Obviously
theft is more likely to happen when an object can be picked up and
carried away. Laptop security devices
are important to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as to
prevent the data from your laptop being retrieved and used in the event
that your laptop is a victim of theft.
9 WAYS TO PREVENT LAPTOP THEFT
1. Don't use computer bags, while these maybe fashionable and
comfortable they make it obvious that you are carrying a laptop. Try
using a padded briefcase or suitcase instead.
2. Make sure your laptop is always with you. Do not check laptops
in with your luggage while traveling. Never leave your laptop in your
car in plain sight or any valuable objects for that matter. There has
been a recent increase of car burglaries stemming from people leaving
valuables in plain sight. Lock all valuables in the trunk.
3. Never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case. Keeping your password with your laptop
is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important
access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your
personal and corporate information.
4. Keep your eye on your laptop. When you go through airport security
don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front
of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and
yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.
5. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor. Putting your laptop on the
floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it. If you have to set
it down, try to place it between your feet or against your leg (so
you're always aware it's there).
6. Use a screen guard when in public. This prevents people from looking
over your shoulder and seeing sensitive information. This is especially
helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area.
7. Do not leave your laptop unsecured in your hotel room. Things
sometimes tend to get lost in hotel rooms and are never secure. If you
must leave your laptop in the room then use a security cable to attach
it to a stable object, such as the desk or bedpost. Another good thing
to do is leave the "do not disturb" sign on the door.
8. Make sure that everything that can be labeled is labeled with the
name of the individual or organization that owns it, and ensure that
these labels are conspicuous. The potential theft value of a laptop or
peripheral is reduced greatly when additional work is required to
remove the identifying marks. Conspicuous identity labels also
significantly increase the risk of a potential thief being caught in
the act of theft.
9. Buy a laptop security device. The next section details some options for laptop security devices.
LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICE:
Laptop Cable:
One of the most inexpensive and effective laptop security devices is a cable.
Very much like a bicycle lock, this cable attaches to your laptop and
allows you to lock it to a stationary object. The cable makes it much
more difficult for someone to steal your laptop.
Laptop Tracing Programs:
These programs will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work
when the laptop connects to the Internet, and can report the laptop's
exact physical location.
Motion Sensors and Alarms:
Unexpected loud noises make people wake up and take notice, something
that aspiring thieves find very discouraging. Laptop security companies
realize this and have created alarms for portable computers.
While the signaling mechanism of an alarm system is usually the same,
the triggering mechanisms are both varied and specialized. The idea is
that if the user moves out of range of the device, or the laptop is
moved out of range of the user, the alarm will sound. Thus, if someone
tries to steal or remove the laptop, the alarm will sound, drawing
attention to the theft.
Another possibility is to buy an alarm that relies on nothing more than movement of the object that it is attached to.
LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICES THAT PREVENT DATA ACCESS:
Security measures available in order to prevent access to data on your laptop in the event that it is taken.
Set a BIOS password:
Most laptops offer protection by allowing the owner to set a boot
password. Typically most will prompt the user three times to enter a
password, then refuse to boot if there are three failures.
Set a Login Password:
Set a login name/password that way in order to successfully login in to a laptop, the user must provide that information. If the login entered is incorrect, the operating system will refuse to allow entry.
Encryption:
One of the best laptop security devices are file encryption programs,
which, encrypt files on your laptop. A private unlock key is provided
to the user, and as long as your private key is kept safe, no one but
you and your intended recipients will be able to view your data.
Biometric Fingerprint Readers:
Another great laptop security device is the Biometric Fingerprint Reader.
The idea behind biometrics is to use the uniqueness of certain features
of a user, such as retinal pattern, fingerprints, and even typing
characteristics, to accurately identify and authorize persons. This
type of laptop security device would provide a hardware level of
authentication that would require authentication before the machine
would even boot up.
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