Every 53 seconds a laptop is stolen according to Gartner, one of the top information technology research companies. Per the FBI, only three percent of stolen laptops and computers are ever found. Keeping your laptop safe and sound should be of utmost importance, particularly for frequent travelers. If lost or compromised, confidential personal and business information may get into the wrong hands. This can give a competitor an edge, wreak financial havoc or be embarrassing.
1. Treat It Like Your Baby
Don’t ever leave your laptop unattended or out of your control. If you are in public place and go to the bathroom, take it with you. Allowing a taxi cab driver to put it in a trunk or a hotel bellman take it to your room are other opportunities for disaster. These precautions may seem inconvenient, but getting your laptop or data on it stolen is much more problematic.
2. Remove All Traces of Passwords
Another way to keep the data on a computer safe is to not save passwords in an easily accessible document or in browsers. If your computer is stolen or lost, it will be much easier to find them.
3. Install Anti-Theft Software
There is software available that can track stolen or missing laptops. It must be installed in advance. Registering your computer with an anti-theft tracking service that uses it is a great way to improve security.
4. Don’t Be Nice
Letting strangers use your computer to “check email” or “look something up” is a big mistake. They could take your laptop or steal information on it.
5. Avoid Public Networks
Places like coffee houses, hotels and airport lounges typically provide users internet access via public networks, which are easy to hack. A virtual private network (VPN) is much more secure. Your company may be able to give you a VPN to use when you travel.
Following these five tips is a good starting point for making your laptop or computer more secure.
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