Laptop Computer Security - when a laptop is lost or stolen, it is not just the computer that is stolen or lost; it is all of the information stored on it.
Why do you need Laptop Computer Security? Do you know what you would lose if your laptop was stolen? Laptops are very valuable organizational assets because they contain many work files that are important to the corporate and may contain sensitive business information, which must be protected at all times.
When a laptop is lost or stolen, it is not just the computer that is stolen or lost; it is all of the information stored on it. Laptop Computer Security is important to the business that its information in the laptop is not seen and/or used by unauthorized people. The corporate reputation and brand can be damaged if unauthorized use of the contents of the laptop occurs.
A laptop is a great work tool because it is so portable. You can access information stored on the laptop any time you want and if you have authorization, you can connect it to the corporate computer network remotely.
The downside with laptops is that they can store massive amounts of business information that normally would not leave the confines of the office and computer networks. Therefore, Laptop Computer Security policy is very essential to be applied within the corporate.
Laptop Contents
Laptop Computer Security # 1 is about laptop contents. You should ensure that you only have files and other information on your laptop that you absolutely need to do your job whilst you are not connected to the corporate computer network. Get into the habit of transferring your files to a network folder whenever you are connected.
Highly Sensitive Business Information
Laptop Computer Security # 2 is about sensitive business information. Please ensure that you do not load information that is highly sensitive or sensitive (classified) onto your laptop, unless you have authorization to do so.
Laptop Backups
Laptop Computer Security # 3 is about laptop backups. If you are not in the habit of routinely backing up your files on your laptop, you run the risk of losing your files and other valuable information if your computer crashes or is stolen.
The best way to backup your files is to transfer them to a network folder whenever you are connected to the corporate computer network. If you are unable to do this and you have critical or valuable files that you do not want to lose, you should copy them to some form of media and store the media in a safe place until you can transfer the files to the computer network.
Cafes and Hotels
Laptop Computer Security # 4 is about protecting the laptops while in café and hotels. Keeping your laptop in sight at all times is especially important when you are in a café, restaurant or hotel etc. These are popular places for opportunists to steal mobile phones, wallets, handbags and of course laptops. It only takes a moment to be distracted while someone moves into steal from you.
The best way to counter this type of theft is to have your laptop on the floor against your leg so you can feel its weight, and if you have a long carry strap, put your foot on or through the carry strap. This way you will know if someone tries to take it.
Conferences and Seminars
Laptop Computer Security # 5 – guideline while you are in conferences and seminars. It is particularly important for you to protect your laptop if you take it to a conference or seminar. You cannot rely upon the security of the conference site, nor expect the support staff, to protect the laptop for you. It is not usually a good idea to take your laptop to these types of events, unless of course you don’t mind carrying it with you at all times, even during breaks.
Travel
Laptop Computer Security # 6 is about travelling with laptop. Whenever you travel, whether by walking, by car or using some form of public transport, your laptop can be vulnerable to theft or loss. It can be quite simple when you have other things on your mind, to accidentally leave your laptop behind when you get off a bus or jump out of a taxi. It is important for you to stay focused, alert and to keep your laptop close to you at all times. Again, wrap the carry strap around your person to prevent theft.
Laptops in Parked Cars
Laptop Computer Security # 7 is about laptops in parked cars. Remember; do not leave your laptop in a car in plain sight, unattended at any time. If you absolutely must leave your laptop in the car for any reason, put it into the boot of your car discretely. Don’t forget to remove it, especially if using a hire car. Don’t leave your laptop in the boot of your car for long periods on very hot days.
Numerous laptops have been stolen from parked cars because they are attractive items for a quick cash sale. So please think before you act.
Disguise
Laptop Computer Security # 8 is about disguise. There have been instances where people have been mugged specifically for their laptops. If you are walking through high-risk areas, you should consider disguising the fact you are carrying a laptop by placing it in a backpack or sports bag.
Laptop Computer Security # 9 is about laptops in public places. When you use a laptop in a public place, it is usually not just you that can see the screen; this is particularly true when you use your laptop on public transport. Think about how many times you have sat next to someone who is using their laptop and what you have been able to read on the screen. Remember, if you use your laptop in public; be careful about who can see your screen while you are working. Be discreet.
Using Laptops in Public PlacesMedia, Tokens and Access Cards
Laptop Computer Security # 10 is about tokens. It is important that you don’t store media (disks, CDs, etc), tokens and access cards with your laptop. If your laptop is stolen or lost, these items will be stolen or lost along with the laptop.
This poses significant risk to the corporate, due to the following:
- Tokens may allow unauthorized access to the contents of your laptop.
- Tokens may allow unauthorized access through remote connection to the corporate computer network.
- Physical access cards could be used to gain unauthorized access to the corporate business premises.
- Media may contain sensitive or critical information that can be read by unauthorized people.
Following these Laptop Computer Security guidelines will help you protect the corporate information assets for possible disclosures to unauthorized people.
Laptop Computer Security guideline is one of the series of information security management in protecting the corporate laptops.
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Great advice. Another way you can safeguard your laptop is anti-theft and recovery software such as LoJack for Laptops. Check out this article for more information about school laptop security.