Protect Your Laptop Against Theft & Loss
    
We all know that a laptop is very light.So it is very conveinent for us to take our laptops anywhere.But there is a disadvantage ,that is ,it is very easy to be stolen.And the words below can give you some ideas:
    1. Keep Your Eyes On Your Laptop
    Be aware of your laptop at all times especially when traveling. You wouldn’t leave a Thousand Dollar Bill lying around unattended would you? So watch your laptop
closely.
    2. Don’t Use An Obvious Laptop Bag
    Carry your laptop in regular luggage that doesn’t look like it has a laptop. Don’t advertise your laptop to any would-be thieves.
    3. Use Visual Locks And Restraints
    Use visual locks and restraints to secure your laptop and to act as a deterrent. It won’t fool hardened thieves but most will opt for a less secure laptop. For example, you can use a product like STOP, this system works by attaching a specially-made security plate to your laptop. This plate is barcoded and registered. It also carries a warning label letting would-be cyber thieves know that the ownership of your laptop is permanently monitored.
    4. Use Passwords And Encryption
    Use passwords and encryption to protect any sensitive information on your laptop. Again, unless you use very sophisticated encryption it won’t fool the experienced hacker or hard-core digital thief but it will slow down and hinder the common criminal.
    Set a BIOS Password for your laptop. You have to take advantage of any security option that’s on your laptop’s OS or operating system. For those using Mac OS X you can encrypt your entire hard drive and set-up a master password in order to view it.
    Windows XP & Vista lets you encrypt files and folders. Just right click your data, select properties, open general tab and then advanced to check “Encrypt contents to secure data box”.
    5. Use Encryption Programs Like Steganos Safe 2007
    You can also try something like Steganos Safe 2007. Vital files can be encrypted and it can even turn your USB thumb drive or iPod into a key for unlocking your hard drive.
    6. Use Anti-Theft Software Like LoJack
    Use anti-theft software that can track and locate your laptop or computer through the IP address once the stolen laptop is used to access the Internet. Use systems like “LoJack For Laptops”. It costs Costs around 50 bucks a year but it may be worth that price for your peace of mind alone.
    According to the info on their site they recover 3 out of 4 stolen laptops equipped with the LoJack system. It basically places hidden and silent software that reports back the IP address and location of the laptop once it is stolen and the thief connects to the Internet.
    7. Use Invisible Ultraviolet Markings
    Use invisible ultraviolet markings so that any recovered stolen laptops will be clearly marked as yours to the police. Keeping track of your laptop’s serial number is also a good idea and have this number stored in a different place other than on your laptop.
    8. Try Remote Data Deletion
    If you place important information on your laptop have a remotely controlled self-destruct solution in place. Then your highly sensitive information can be deleted remotely after your laptop is stolen.
    9. Be Prepared
   Create company policies for management of your company’s laptops. Have set procedures in place for tracking and reporting of any laptops stolen or misplaced. Be prepared for the inevitable.
    10. Backup Backup Backup
    Regularly backup any vital information you have on your laptop.Most information will be useless to potential thieves but maybe extremely important to you personally or for the running of your business.
July 8, 2009
Tags: Tips Posted in: Care
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