Tips To A Secure Laptop
It's a great way to work and stay in touch when you're out and about
, but you need to take some steps to keep your laptop safeand in your possession. Here are some things you can do to keep track of your laptop:
Treat it like cash.
Get it out of the cardon't ever leave it behind.
Keep it lockeduse a security cable.
Keep it off the flooror at least between your feet.
Keep passwords separatenot near the laptop or case.
Don't leave it "for just a sec"no matter where you are.
Pay attention in airportsespecially at security.
Use bells and whistlesif you've got an alarm, turn it on.
Keeping Laptops From Getting Lost or Stolen
A laptop computer defines convenience and mobility. It enables you to work from home, a hotel room, a conference hall, or a coffee shop.
Maybe you've taken steps to secure the data on your laptop: You've installed a firewall. You update your antivirus software. You protect your information with a strong password. You encrypt your data, and you're too smart to fall for those emails that ask for your personal information. But what about the laptop itself? A minor distraction is all it takes for your laptop to vanish. If it does, you may lose more than an expensive piece of hardware. The fact is, if your data protections aren't up to par, that sensitive and valuable information in your laptop may be a magnet for an identity thief.
Chances are you've heard stories about stolen laptops on the news or from friends and colleagues. No one thinks their laptop will be stolen at least not until they find the trunk of their car broken into, notice that their laptop isn't waiting at the other side of airport security, or get a refill at the local java joint only to turn around and find their laptop gone.
Here are some tips to keep your laptop safe:
Treat your laptop like cash. If you had a wad of money sitting out in a public place, would you turn your back on it even for just a minute? Would you put it in checked luggage? Leave it on the backseat of your car? Of course not. Keep a careful eye on your laptop just as you would a pile of cash.
Keep it locked. Whether you're using your laptop in the office, a hotel, or some other public place, a security device can make it more difficult for someone to steal it. Use a laptop security cable: attach it to something immovable or to a heavy piece of furniture that's difficult to move say, a table or a desk.
Keep it off the floor. No matter where you are in public at a conference, a coffee shop, or a registration desk avoid putting your laptop on the floor. If you must put it down, place it between your feet or at least up against your leg, so that you're aware of it.
Keep your passwords elsewhere. Remembering strong passwords or access numbers can be difficult. However, leaving either in a laptop carrying case or on your laptop is like leaving the keys in your car. There's no reason to make it easy for a thief to get to your personal or corporate information.
Mind the bag. When you take your laptop on the road, carrying it in a computer case may advertise what's inside. Consider using a suitcase, a padded briefcase or a backpack instead.
Get it out of the car. Don't leave your laptop in the car not on the seat, not in the trunk. Parked cars are a favorite target of laptop thieves; don't help them by leaving your laptop unattended. That said, if you must leave your laptop behind, keep it out of sight.
Don't leave it "for just a minute." Your conference colleagues seem trustworthy, so you're comfortable leaving your laptop while you network during a break. The people at the coffee shop seem nice, so you ask them to keep an eye while you use the restroom. Don't leave your laptop unguarded even for a minute. Take it with you if you can, or at least use a cable to secure it to something heavy.
Pay attention in airports. Keep your eye on your laptop as you go through security. Hold onto it until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector and keep an eye out when it emerges on the other side of the screener. The confusion and shuffle of security checkpoints can be fertile ground for theft.
Be vigilant in hotels. If you stay in hotels, a security cable may not be enough. Try not to leave your laptop out in your room. Rather, use the safe in your room if there is one. If you're using a security cable to lock down your laptop, consider hanging the "do not disturb" sign on your door.
The most important tip:
Safe guard your computer with Anti-theft software. Anti-theft software helps you in the event that your laptop is stolen. It does a number of things such as:
- Encrypts your files and locks down the laptop when stolen
- gives you a location of the laptop via GeoTracking
- Can take pictures of the thief using webcam
- Makes backups of your data
Keep your laptop secure as well as your personal information; common sense and good anti-theft programs go hand and hand.
Tips To A Secure Laptop
By: Heather LaVine
Check Those Questions To Fix Kbdlv1.dll Error On Your Computer Identity Theft Facts and Your Laptop Outsource Your Fingerprinting Services The Computer Flaw And The Lawsuit Debt Relief Programs And Debt Advice Online The Stoners Store Provides Wide Assortment Of Quality Herbal Incense Products speed up laptop - How Do I clean up my laptop and make it run faster? Fix Runtime Error 189 On Your Computer To Speed Up Your Slow Pc How To Watch Dvd Movies On Iphone 4 What Should I Know Before Buying Computer? Whether Laptop Uses Lithium Or Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries Top Ten Online MBA Programs How To Retrieve Deleted Images From Memory Card?