When it comes to laptop security, a lot of people's immediate thoughts will turn to viral attacks, hacking, zombie computers, anti-virus software, firewalls and a whole host of other software related terms. One area of security that seems to be often overlooked by consumers is the physical safety of their computers; after all, what use is a well protected OS if the device itself has been stolen?
Another important consideration that draws us back towards the operational side of things is how to secure your data in the event of a theft. Although much of what is stored in your hard drive will be of no use to criminal, sensitive information, bank statements or work related correspondences could result in potentially fraudulent activities.
First of all when travelling it is important to secure your laptop in a specialised carrying case with a reinforced internal structure to absorb any bumps and knocks as well as concealing it from prying eyes. It is often a good idea to use a bag or rucksack which doesn't actually look like a laptop case such as those designed by Targus or Golla and will attract less attention than more obviously designed carry bags or sleeves. Keep the bag within eyesight or if possible on your person at all times whilst you travel.
When at home you can invest in a security lock which attaches to your laptop and can be secured to a heavy or immovable object or fixture such as a table. Most laptops are today designed with a slot which will accept a specifically designed locking system, Kensington and Belkin are popular suppliers of such equipment and offer universal products which can be used with most notebooks, docking stations and monitors.
If you are using your laptop in a hotel or resort you should try to keep it with you as often as possible and utilise the room safe or a security locker within the property if one is available.
Even the most cautious of laptop owners may still be susceptible to theft, in which case it is important to protect the information you have stored on your hard drive. One of the best ways to prevent your data from being accessed is to encrypt the readable files into unreadable cipher using a recognised encryption program. The files that are selected to be encrypted will be inaccessible to anyone who does not possess the key, a password essentially, which unlocks the program and converts the files back to a readable format.
Not only the threat of theft but that of viral infection, accidental damage or corruption should have you regularly backing up your hard drive on an external alternative. The external hard drive should be kept separate from your laptop and you should certainly not travel with the two together. If you need separate back ups of files and data then take a separate flash device with the information stored on it.
Although if your laptop is stolen it is very likely that you might never see it again it is a good idea to record the serial and product number of the item and store them somewhere safely at home and keep several copies. Some companies such as Absolute Software and Tometa Software offer hidden services which can identify the geographical location of your laptop if it is stolen and then connected to the internet, increasing the chances of recovery. The most important tip when ensuring your laptop's physical security is to be aware, be sensible and be prudent.
Another important consideration that draws us back towards the operational side of things is how to secure your data in the event of a theft. Although much of what is stored in your hard drive will be of no use to criminal, sensitive information, bank statements or work related correspondences could result in potentially fraudulent activities.
First of all when travelling it is important to secure your laptop in a specialised carrying case with a reinforced internal structure to absorb any bumps and knocks as well as concealing it from prying eyes. It is often a good idea to use a bag or rucksack which doesn't actually look like a laptop case such as those designed by Targus or Golla and will attract less attention than more obviously designed carry bags or sleeves. Keep the bag within eyesight or if possible on your person at all times whilst you travel.
When at home you can invest in a security lock which attaches to your laptop and can be secured to a heavy or immovable object or fixture such as a table. Most laptops are today designed with a slot which will accept a specifically designed locking system, Kensington and Belkin are popular suppliers of such equipment and offer universal products which can be used with most notebooks, docking stations and monitors.
If you are using your laptop in a hotel or resort you should try to keep it with you as often as possible and utilise the room safe or a security locker within the property if one is available.
Even the most cautious of laptop owners may still be susceptible to theft, in which case it is important to protect the information you have stored on your hard drive. One of the best ways to prevent your data from being accessed is to encrypt the readable files into unreadable cipher using a recognised encryption program. The files that are selected to be encrypted will be inaccessible to anyone who does not possess the key, a password essentially, which unlocks the program and converts the files back to a readable format.
Not only the threat of theft but that of viral infection, accidental damage or corruption should have you regularly backing up your hard drive on an external alternative. The external hard drive should be kept separate from your laptop and you should certainly not travel with the two together. If you need separate back ups of files and data then take a separate flash device with the information stored on it.
Although if your laptop is stolen it is very likely that you might never see it again it is a good idea to record the serial and product number of the item and store them somewhere safely at home and keep several copies. Some companies such as Absolute Software and Tometa Software offer hidden services which can identify the geographical location of your laptop if it is stolen and then connected to the internet, increasing the chances of recovery. The most important tip when ensuring your laptop's physical security is to be aware, be sensible and be prudent.
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