Laptop Security & Notebook Security Tips

7 Steps for Preventing laptop theft

1.   Never carry your laptop in an obvious laptop bag or carrying case.  
These are immediate flags for would be thieves. Small padded cases that fit just the laptop are available at most luggage stores. This allows you to carry the laptop safely in a hard or soft side briefcase.

2.   Never leave your laptop unattended, even for a moment.  
Many thieves work in groups; one will distract you while the other carefully removes your laptop in its case.

3.   Purchase Insurance coverage for your laptop.  
If it is company property, be certain under what conditions a theft is covered. If the laptop is your property, check with your insurance agent and determine if it is covered under your homeowners or renters insurance. Also what theft situations are covered, such as on business or pleasure travel. If coverage is not provided, obtain additional coverage as a rider to your policy.

4.   Utilize a laptop security cable. 
We get numerous reports of laptop theft when the owner leaves his or her office or cubicle for just a moment to go down the hall or to get a drink of water. Another time to be cautious is during meetings, laptops are used, a quick break is called and when everyone returns, some of the laptops are missing. Remember thieves have better access than you might think and are very quick.

5.   Be certain to back up all important data daily.  
Remember the hardest thing to replace when a laptop is stolen is the lost data.

6.   Encrypt the most important data. 
The most valuable part of a stolen laptop is the data. Many groups have cash bounties out for particular information that can be resold for identity theft or competitive use.

7.   Protect the data and access of the computer with strong password and or a hardware key device.  
Hardware key products include fingerprint identification devices or other access control devices that plug into the USB port.

Some Things to THINK about.

We can all learn to be more attentive to the people and our surroundings, so that we can protect our property and our lives. 

1.   Always be aware of your surroundings and the people in them.

2.   Realize that you are the prospective PREY or VICTIM.

3.   Always keep your belongings in your sight and preferably in direct contact with your body or a tether device.

4.   Be suspicious of unusual activity and keep your property closer to you until this activity is over and any threat has diminished.

5.   The use of laptop security cables to lock down your property or lock it together will significantly reduce the risk of theft.

6.   Put a label or tape your business card to the top of your laptop. Too many business travelers are using the same brand and model of laptops leading to confusion and in some cases the picking up of someone else’s laptop when going through security. The business card or label provides identification quickly when retrieving your laptop or trying to prove ownership in a mix up or attempted theft.

A better understanding of how a successful theft of property is accomplished is the key to prevention. Always remember that you are the person in charge of your property and belongings. The extra attention to prevention can save an enormous amount of time trying to deal with and recover after the theft of property. We have been assisting governments; military, education, healthcare and corporations deal with and prevent the theft of property. You and the decisions that you make are the single most important resources in the prevention of theft.