Laptop Theft

The first line of defense in addressing laptop security is to prevent laptop theft. What could be more attractive to a thief than a portable, compact, high value "commodity," that can be readily converted into cash?

Thousands of laptops are stolen every day. The real cost of replacing a lost or stolen laptop is not in the hardware, but in the information on the laptop and resulting potential for identity theft. It's a mistake to believe that passwords will protect your data. The truth is, passwords are the weakest link.

Prevention

Most laptop theft can be prevented at little or no cost.

Don't let your laptop out of your sight. If possible, don't let it out of your grip.

Conspicuously label your laptop. We particularly like the security plate technology from STOP, they are made of a photo-anodized aluminum and identify the owner via bar code number. If the plate is somehow removed the word "Stolen" is revealed together with a toll free number. Anyone who sees such a plate and is still intent on laptop theft is either a fool or more interested in the data on the laptop than the sale value of the equipment.

Record your laptop's serial number, model, make etc. in a secure registry. The same applies to all of your gadgets: digital camera, iPod and so on. In the unlikely event that your equipment is recovered you may not be able to claim it without these identifying details.

Laptop insurance is available to cover the cost of replacement, especially relevant if you rent or lease a laptop. House and contents policies typically don't cover them unless they have been specifically noted in the policy and the premium adjusted accordingly.

Invest in a laptop security cable. They are inexpensive, simple and take up little space. The two main brands of laptop security cable are: Kensington and Targus. Anyone who takes a laptop on the road should own one. Tether your laptop in hotel rooms, at conferences, seminars, in the office ... They are highly effective deterrents and will discourage anyone looking for an easy snatch and run opportunity.

Laptop Bags

There are great alternatives to the traditional laptop bag with the manufacturer's brand name embossed prominently on the front. Many of these alternatives are purpose designed for carrying laptops. They are rugged and contain padding in the right places as well lots of pockets, but would easily pass for a regular backpack or bag.

Designer branded laptop bags are hot fashion items. Some are quite attractive as well. That is terrific, but we would also assume that those prominently displayed bags are prime targets for theft.

To prevent data from being copied, erased, or corrupted when you're not around will require a higher level of laptop security. An excellent first step is to discourage anyone from touching it. To achieve that we would recommend a good quality security alarm or motion detector. These devices will discourage laptop theft, but the most complete solution to laptop data security is encryption and in particular whole of disk encryption.