Laptop Security Tips

Laptop security tips while traveling:

1. Hide it. To avoid becoming a target by a thief, carry laptop in a non-descriptive bag/case and keep it inside trunk or safe.
2. Keep an eye on it. Laptops are frequently stolen or lost at the airport security checkpoint. Also be aware of thief duo. One thief distracts while the other thief silent steals your laptop in the airport.
3. Consider leaving laptop at home or office. You may just carry all the necessary data and application in a USB flash drive instead.
4. Password protect. Windows is password protected when you disable Windows auto logon. Also logoff before hibernating your laptop. This helps prevent unauthorized people from accessing your data and laptop.

General laptop security tips:

1. Encrypt data.
2. Backup data.
3. Register laptops with SmartProtec. The free theft prevention and recovery service SmartProtec helps prevent laptop theft and helps recover it quickly in case of theft or loss.
4. Affix a warning label.
5. Lock the laptop with security cable when left unattended.
6. Install laptop tracking software Inspice Trace. You can track the location of your laptop and destroy data in it when it is stolen or lost.
   
   Encryption is good but insufficient to protect data from stolen laptop. According to FBI, most laptop thefts are insider job. The insider has the password for encrypted data.

   It also helps your organization comply with various regulations such as HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, California Senate Bill 1386, New York State Senate Bills S.5178 and S.3492A.

7. There is also free lost and found service that helps recover stolen or lost laptops.
8. Prepare for the worst. Laptops are one of the most stolen items. Do you any action plan when your laptop is stolen or lost with important information in it?