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Laptop Computer Thefts: Guarding Against Loss

Laptop Computer Thefts: Guarding Against Loss

What Steps Should You Take to Protect Your Property?

BY JEFFREY CAVIGNAC

Special to the Business Journal

The rising popularity of laptop computers among business travelers has given rise to a new and equally popular form of high-tech crime: laptop theft.

Some thieves are opportunists, simply looking to sell a stolen laptop for a fraction of its value.

Others target certain companies or individuals for the valuable information (business plans, customer lists and pricing schedules) typically stored in a laptop computer. According to industry sources, approximately 208,000 laptops were reported stolen last year.

Laptop thefts are occurring with alarming regularity around the world. Anyone who owns or travels with a laptop computer can become a victim. Common target areas include offices, automobiles, airports and hotel rooms.

Measures can be taken to minimize the risk of becoming the next statistic. Following are some suggestions to help protect your laptop and the information stored in it.

– Security Considerations

& #149; Physical protection. Use a weatherproof, padded, inconspicuous carrying case for storing and transporting laptops. Cases are now designed to look like backpacks, briefcases, or even handbags.

Store shipments of new or unassigned laptops in locked closets or rooms with controlled accesses and no false ceilings or partial walls.

& #149; Disk drive security. Use a disk drive lock to prevent unauthorized access and operation. Whenever possible, remove the hard disk and carry it separately while traveling. Check with the laptop manufacturer for other suggestions and available security equipment.

& #149; Protective software. There are a number of software programs that can help protect and secure proprietary information and preserve data. They include password locking programs, encryption programs, encryption programs with file compression abilities and anti-virus software.

& #149; Locking devices. If the laptop can be connected to a docking station, always access the station’s built-in locking device. Never leave a laptop unattended in the office, even for a few minutes.

In addition, always use a locking cable to secure the laptop to the desk. Do not place your laptop near exterior windows where it can be subjected to a “smash-and-grab” type of theft.

& #149; Airport safety. Keep your laptop in sight at all times. Never check a laptop as baggage. Take extra care when passing through security checkpoints. Hold your laptop until you are ready to pass through the metal detector.

Once it is placed on the X-ray machine conveyor belt, do not let it out of your sight.

& #149; Traceability. Engrave the company name and/or identification on all laptops. Record the laptop’s identification number and keep it in a safe place.

Check if the laptop manufacturer, or your local police department, offers an asset identification or registry program.

& #149; Storage in Cars. If the laptop must be left in a car, lock it in the trunk. In sport utility vehicles, station wagons and vans, safeguard laptops by keeping them out of sight. While driving, store the laptop behind the driver’s seat , not on the front passenger’s seat. Avoid storing your laptop in vehicles during very cold or hot weather. If unavoidable, use an insulated case.

– Tips for Businesses

Companies should demonstrate a serious attitude when educating employees about computer security to help control the expenses associated with such loss. To encourage a positive loss prevention approach, companies must make it policy to do the following.

& #149; Provide annual training and periodic reminders to maintain safety and security awareness.

& #149; Communicate in writing the company’s policies and procedures regarding employee accountability for the safety and security of laptops assigned to them.

& #149; Require a signed copy of such a policy statement from all laptop users.

& #149; Consider making loss of a laptop by gross negligence a performance issue.

& #149; Encourage users to back up their files frequently.

& #149; Guard proprietary information carefully.

& #149; Maintain a current list of all laptop users, assigned equipment, serial numbers and software.

& #149; Conduct both regularly scheduled and random inventory checks.

& #149; Investigate all incidents of theft or accident, and publicize the results.

& #149; Make staff aware that all thefts will be reported to the police.

As laptops become even more common in the workplace, laptop thefts likely will continue to increase. By taking measures to keep laptops secure, laptop owners can decrease their risk of falling victim to laptop theft.

Cavignac is the president and principal of San Diego-based Cavignac & Associates.

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