Losing your computer means losing your work, assignments, dissertation, emails and other personal data (especially if you don’t maintain backups). Laptops are the easiest target for thieves – they can be easily put in a bag or carried away. Security precautions should be taken for any type of computer, however.
There are a few easy steps you can take to help minimize the risk and effect of theft:
- Do not leave your room accessible to anyone (open or unlocked door or window), even for a few minutes, when you are not there.
- If you take you laptop with your in the car, lock it in the boot out of sight. Never leave it on the seat in full view.
- If possible, carry your laptop in a non-descript bag or rucksack rather than an easily identifiable “laptop bag”.
- Security mark your computer with either a security pen or specific security sticker.
- When not in use, lock your computer away, out of sight.
- Investigate the use of a physical lock for the computer – security cables and other devices are available for reasonable prices.
- Keep a note of the serial number, make and model of your computer just in case.
- Encrypt the data on your computer – if it is stolen, the encryption will be another barrier to protect sensitive data.
- Keep full and up-to-date backups of all your data.
- Use of a security program like Prey may help you recover or lock you laptop or tablet in the event of a theft.