subject: SECURE YOUR LAPTOP [print this page] SECURE YOUR LAPTOP SECURE YOUR LAPTOP
To keep your laptop as safe as possible you will want to combine physical, software and use password strategies.While not all of the available security methods are applicable, practical or necessary for all laptop and notebook users, it is still important to understand what your security options are so that you can alter your security strategies as your computer use evolves.
Physical security devices(PSDs) can be used to keep your laptop from being stolen orused without your authorization. The most simple PSD is a laptop security cable. This cable connects to your laptop and secures it to a non-moveable item in your office, homeor hotel room. For example, you can connect your laptop to your work table.The cables usually have a combination or key lock device, and attach to the security slot found on most laptop/notebook computers. A determined thief with a bolt cutter could foil this device, but it certainly makes it a lot harder to grab and escape.Biometric devices can also be used to ensure that if your laptop is stolen, it can't be used by someone else. Biometric devices include fingerprint scanners and retinal scanners. These devices can be added to just about any laptop.
Fortunately, there are some intelligent software tools that can be used to both diagnosepotential threats to your computer privacy as well as to secure your computer system.Most of these softwares can display ownership information at startup, and can also report tracking information to the owner if the laptop goes online.
In addition to physically securing your laptop and protecting your computer with security software, you also need to take steps to protect your laptop with strong passwords. While it is important to set up a user account password for your laptop you will also want to setup a power-on password. These passwords will prevent unauthorized people from logging in to your computer, or accessing it by using an external boot-up device. To create yourand power-on password you will need to enter your BIOS security set-up menu. This is usually accessed by pressing the Del, F1 or F2 key while your computer is booting up. Try to use passwords that include a combination of at least eight letters,numbers and special characters.
And of course, there's the threat of hackers and snoops that attack through viruses and spyware. Every laptop should have an up-to-date anti-virus plus anti-spyware software tool(s) installed, to identify and remove malware from your system. Besides, encryption is a good method to protect your data from hackers, thieves and others who may access your computer without permission. It is usually done by special software programs.However, latest Operating Systems offers free encryption toosl that you can use to protect individual files and folders.
