Laptop
computers are often stolen. They are small, easily sold,
and valuable. When a laptop is stolen it is a major inconvenience
at best, and if company confidential data gets into the
wrong hands the results can be truly catastrophic. Many
professionals use a laptop, often transporting it between
home and the office. Most travel at least occasionally with
a laptop. Laptops are particularly vulnerable when traveling
but are also often stolen from offices and residences as
well.
These simple steps
should be taken to help protect laptops from physical theft.
Use a locking cable and perhaps an alarm for your laptop,
available at any computer store. I don? always lock my laptop,
for example at home, but often lock it in hotel rooms and
even in my private office when leaving for extended periods
of time.
Carry your laptop
in something other than a laptop bag, for example a briefcase
or backpack. Don't make it obvious your bag contains a laptop!Try
not to leave laptops in a car. This isn't always practical,
but minimize it as much as practical. Never leave a laptop,
laptop case, or briefcase in plain sight in a car. Watch
your laptop carefully in airports and train stations! Certainly
do not put it in checked luggage.
Do not ignore
or leave it alone for even a few seconds. When going through
security, place it on the x-ray machine last, immediately
before walking through. Many laptops are stolen from businesses.
If you don't know if it's safe to leave your laptop unattended
then ask someone. A colleague once had his laptop stolen
from a "secure building" at a police facility
during lunch!Don't leave your laptop or any laptop accessories
visible in your hotel.
In a drawer covered
by clothes is a good hiding place. If you take a bus or
shuttle, hold on to your laptop. Don't put it? n back?with
the other luggage.
It only takes
a few seconds for a thief to grab a laptop. These simple
steps will help protect your laptop, your data, and even
your company from potential disaster!Ted Demopoulos is a
professional speaker and consultant who helps companies
profit from the intersection of business and technology.
