Laptop Security Device - 9 Tips to Protect Your Laptop and Data

Here are 9 ways to prevent your laptop from theft asdetails some options for laptop security devices.
well as an explanation of laptop security devices thatLAPTOP SECURITY DEVICE:
ensure your laptop and data are protected. The mainLaptop Cable:
attraction of laptops is their portability and mobility. It isOne of the most inexpensive and effective laptop
great to be able to take your computer with you andsecurity devices is a cable. Very much like a bicycle
use it anywhere. But with these benefits comes a risklock, this cable attaches to your laptop and allows you
of theft. Obviously theft is more likely to happen whento lock it to a stationary object. The cable makes it
an object can be picked up and carried away. Laptopmuch more difficult for someone to steal your laptop.
security devices are important to prevent your laptopLaptop Tracing Programs:
from being stolen as well as to prevent the data fromThese programs will report the location of a stolen
your laptop being retrieved and used in the event thatlaptop. They work when the laptop connects to the
your laptop is a victim of theft.Internet, and can report the laptop's exact physical
9 WAYS TO PREVENT LAPTOP THEFTlocation. Some tracing programs include CyberAngel
1. Don't use computer bags, while these maybeand ComputracePlus.
fashionable and comfortable they make it obvious thatMotion Sensors and Alarms:
you are carrying a laptop. Try using a paddedUnexpected loud noises make people wake up and
briefcase or suitcase instead.take notice, something that aspiring thieves find very
2. Make sure your laptop is always with you. Do notdiscouraging. Laptop security companies realize this
check laptops in with your luggage while traveling.and have created alarms for portable computers.
Never leave your laptop in your car in plain sight or anyWhile the signaling mechanism of an alarm system is
valuable objects for that matter. There has been ausually the same, the triggering mechanisms are both
recent increase of car burglaries stemming fromvaried and specialized. There are products available
people leaving valuables in plain sight. Lock all valuablesthat create a "maximum separation zone" around the
in the trunk.user and the laptop. The idea is that if the user moves
3. Never leave access numbers or passwords in yourout of range of the device, or the laptop is moved out
carrying case. Keeping your password with yourof range of the user, the alarm will sound. Thus, if
laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without yoursomeone tries to steal or remove the laptop, the alarm
password or important access numbers it will be morewill sound, drawing attention to the theft.
difficult for a thief to access your personal andLAPTOP SECURITY DEVICES THAT PREVENT
corporate information.DATA ACCESS:
4. Keep your eye on your laptop. When you goSecurity measures available in order to prevent
through airport security don't lose sight of your bag.access to data on your laptop in the event that it is
Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gonetaken.
through the metal detector. Many bags look alike andSet a BIOS password:
yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.Most laptops offer protection by allowing the owner to
5. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor. Putting yourset a boot password. Typically most will prompt the
laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or loseuser three times to enter a password, then refuse to
track of it. If you have to set it down, try to place itboot if there are three failures.
between your feet or against your leg (so you'reSet a Login Password:
always aware it's there).Set a login name/password that way in order to
6. Use a screen guard when in public. This preventssuccessfully login in to a laptop, the user must provide
people from looking over your shoulder and seeingthat information. If the login entered is incorrect, the
sensitive information. This is especially helpful whenoperating system will refuse to allow entry.
you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area.Encryption:
7. Do not leave your laptop unsecured in your hotelOne of the best laptop security devices are file
room. Things sometimes tend to get "lost" in hotelencryption programs, which, encrypt files on your
rooms and are never secure. If you must leave yourlaptop. A private unlock key is provided to the user,
laptop in the room then use a security cable to attachand as long as your private key is kept safe, no one
it to a stable object, such as the desk or bedpost.but you and your intended recipients will be able to
Another good thing to do is leave the "do not disturb"view your data.
sign on the door.Biometric Fingerprint Readers:
8. Make sure that everything that can be labeled isAnother great laptop security device is the Biometric
labeled with the name of the individual or organizationReader. The idea behind biometrics is to use the
that owns it, and ensure that these labels areuniqueness of certain features of a user, such as
conspicuous. The potential theft value of a laptop orretinal pattern, fingerprints, and even typing
peripheral is reduced greatly when additional work ischaracteristics, to accurately identify and authorize
required to remove the identifying marks. Conspicuouspersons. This type of laptop security device would
identity labels also significantly increase the risk of aprovide a hardware level of authentication that would
potential thief being caught in the act of theft.require authentication before the machine would even
9. Buy a laptop security device. The next sectionboot up.