Here are 9 tips to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as an explanation of laptop security devices that ensure your laptop and data are protected. The main attraction of laptops is their portability and mobility. 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. 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 TIPS 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. Lock it 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. 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 DEVICES:
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. Another possibility is to buy an alarm that relies on nothing more than movement of the object that it is attached to. If the object that the sensor is attached to is moved, an alarm will sound. Entering the 3-digit security code will reset or disable the alarm once the device has been recovered.
LAPTOP SECURITY DEVICES PREVENTING DATA FROM BEING USED
Security measures are available in order to prevent access to data on your laptop in the event that it is taken, or just in case some snoopers try to access your data.
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
To successfully login to the computer, you must provide a login name and password. If the information 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 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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Contributor's Note
Copyright 2008 JR Lang.
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