Now You See It, Now You Don't: Preventing Laptop Computer Theft

When Irwin Jacobs, chief executive and founder of Qualcomm Inc. had his laptop stolen from a journalism conference in September 2000, it shed light on a growing problem.



Other recent events have focused national attention on the laptop security issue, consider the following:



o In July 2001 the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that 184 laptops had been stolen or lost. At least one and possibly as many as four contained classified information.



o In April 2001 the British Defense Ministry reported 205 laptops missing since 1997, most of which contained classified materials.



o In February 2000 a laptop computer with "highly classified" information disappeared from the U.S. State Department. Then, in May 2000 two more laptops were reported missing from the U.S. State Department.



While technology has made laptops smaller, easier to store and transport, it has also made them easier to conceal and steal. It's the convenience that has made the laptop computer so popular and the information vehicle of choice for business people throughout the world.



.The computer itself is a valuable asset and one that should be protected, but it can be replaced, however, the information stored on it in many cases is not replaceable and of greater value to competitors if compromised. A thief can get a few thousand dollars for a top of the line laptop, but he can get a whole lot more for a company's marketing plans.



High Risk Locations



A high percentage of laptops are stolen from the office. FBI officials estimate as much as 75 percent of laptop thefts are committed by insiders, individuals who are expected to be on the premises. For example, employees, delivery people and janitors all have access to the grounds and buildings and have opportunities to steal unprotected laptops.



In one case, Canadian authorities apprehended a man believed to have stolen 20 to 30 laptops from an office building over a span of a few weeks. The suspect would enter the building dressed as a maintenance employee, load computers onto a dolly and exit the building. He performed this routine so often, that building employees believed he was actually a member of the maintenance staff.



According to a USA Today article, heightened airport security as a result of the September 11 terrorist attack has caused an increase in the number of lost laptops at airport checkpoints. . The problems stem from new procedures that require passengers to remove their laptops from their cases and put them through x-ray machines. They either forget to pick them up or grab a stranger's laptop by accident. It becomes more problematic for travelers who are singled out for magnetic wand searches and may be separated from their valuables on the conveyor belt for extended periods of time.



Business travelers should also pay close attention to their laptops when at the following locations:



*Hotels



*Train Stations



*Bus terminals



*Car rental agencies



*Conference Centers



*Restaurants



*Restrooms



*Payphones



Always remember, laptop theft can happen anyplace, at any time.



Laptop Theft Prevention Tips



Employees



o Disguise your laptop. By carrying your laptop in a case designed for computers, you alert the thieves you have a laptop. Carry your laptop in an ordinary piece of luggage, satchel or other inconspicuous bag.



o Record the laptop serial number, make and model information. Keep this information in your purse or wallet so if your computer is stolen, the information will be readily available when you file a police report.



o Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place.



o Use computer-locking cables to secure the computer to a desk or table



o Never place a computer in checked luggage.



o If a laptop must be left in the car, store it in the trunk of the vehicle prior to arriving at the final destination.



o Identify your carrying case in some unusual way to make it stand out from all other bags. An unusual color, colored tape or yarn or exceptionally large or brightly colored tags attached to the bag will help you immediately locate the bag and give police probable cause to stop and question the carrier.



o Also consider taping colored paper or placing a large tag on the front of you laptop to avoid accidental mix-ups at the x-ray machine.



o Regularly back up information and store it separately in case your computer is stolen.



Employers



o All laptops should be permanently marked or engraved with inventory or serial numbers so they can aid in recovery if found by the police. Check with the manufacturer regarding appropriate marking locations and warranty criteria prior to marking.



o Conduct scheduled inventories of laptops periodically.



o Proper documentation should be maintained for all laptops. Records could include the type of equipment identifiers such as make, model and inventory or serial numbers, an equipment assignment date, and the employee responsible for the laptop.



o Some companies utilize electronic asset tracking technology. Employers can tag laptops with a small electronic transponder. If an employee attempts to leave the building with the computer, the system records the time, date and exit used. Some systems can also give security the ID of the employee taking the equipment.



o Access to the area where laptops are stored when not assigned should be limited to a select few individuals.



o The limited access storage area should be situated away from high traffic areas.



o Access should be controlled to areas such as offices where employees utilize laptops. This can also be accomplished through the use of ID card systems.



o Some companies have established policies making employees responsible for the loss of a laptop if they do not follow company policy for safeguarding it. Communicate the policy in writing and get a signed statement of acknowledgement.



o Employers have also been known to require employees to purchase their laptops, reasoning that employees will better care for them.



o Provide employees with loss prevention and security awareness training. E-mails, brown bag luncheons, new hire orientations security awareness literature/posters and video presentations are all excellent vehicles for getting the word out.



o Provide employees with adequate secure storage areas for their laptops such as locked security closets, cabinets and lockdown devices at desks and workstations.

How To Protect Your Laptop Against Theft & Loss

Laptop theft is rampant. You have a 1 in 10 chance

your shiny new laptop will be stolen. And the real

shocker: according to the FBI 97% are never recovered.



And they should know, the U.S. Department of Justice

stated in a recent report that the FBI lost 160 laptops

in a 44 month period ending in September of 2005. If

FBI agents have trouble keeping track of their laptops,

imagine what the ordinary person is facing.



The statistics are pretty grim. A laptop is stolen every

53 seconds. Ouch!



With stats like those you have to do everything in your

power to avoid becoming a victim of laptop theft. If you

keep valuable personal or business information on your

laptop the consequences can be even more gruesome and

devastating. For laptop hardware can be easily replaced,

but your valuable information may be lost forever.



So here are...



10 Practical Ways to Protect Your Laptop Against Theft,

Loss or Misplacement.



1. Keep Your Eyes On Your Laptop



Be aware of your laptop at all times especially when

traveling. You wouldn't leave a Thousand Dollar Bill

lying around unattended would you? So watch your laptop

closely.



2. Don't Use An Obvious Laptop Bag



Carry your laptop in regular luggage that doesn't look

like it has a laptop. Don't advertise your laptop to any

would be thieves.



3. Use Visual Locks And Restraints



Use visual locks and restraints to secure your laptop and

to act as a deterrent. It won't fool hardened thieves but

most will opt for a less secure laptop. For example, you

can use a product like STOP, this system works by attaching

a specially-made security plate to your laptop. This plate

is barcoded and registered. It also carries a warning label

letting would-be cyber thieves know that the ownership of your

laptop is permanently monitored.



4. Use Passwords And Encryption



Use passwords and encryption to protect any sensitive

information on your laptop. Again, unless you use very

sophisticated encryption it won't fool the experienced

hacker or hard-core digital thief but it will slow down

and hinder the common criminal.



Set a BIOS Password for your laptop. You have to take

advantage of any security option that's on your laptop's

OS or operating system. For those using Mac OS X you can

encrypt your entire hard drive and set-up a master password

in order to view it.



Windows XP & Vista lets you encrypt files and folders. Just

right click your data, select properties, open general tab

and then advanced to check "Encrypt contents to secure data

box".



5. Use Encryption Programs Like Steganos Safe 2007



You can also try something like Steganos Safe 2007. Vital

files can be encrypted and it can even turn your USB thumb

drive or iPod into a key for unlocking your hard drive.



6. Use Anti-Theft Software Like LoJack



Use anti-theft software that can track and locate your

laptop or computer through the IP address once the stolen

laptop is used to access the Internet. Use systems like

"LoJack For Laptops". It costs around 50 bucks a year

but it may be worth that price for your peace of mind alone.



According to the info on their site they recover 3 out of 4

stolen laptops equipped with the LoJack system. It basically

places hidden and silent software that reports back the IP

address and location of the laptop once it is stolen and the

thief connects to the Internet.



7. Use Invisible Ultraviolet Markings



Use invisible ultra-violet markings so that any recovered

stolen laptops will be clearly marked as yours to the police.

Keeping track of your laptop's serial number is also a good

idea and have this number stored in a different place other

than on your laptop.



8. Try Remote Data Deletion



If you place important information on your laptop have a

remotely controlled self-destruct solution in place. Then

your highly sensitive information can be deleted remotely

after your laptop is stolen.



9. Be Prepared



Create company policies for management of your company's laptops.

Have set procedures in place for tracking and reporting of any

laptops stolen or misplaced. Be prepared for the inevitable.



10. Backup Backup Backup



Regularly backup any vital information you have on your laptop.

Most information will be useless to potential thieves but may

be extremely important to you personally or for the running of

your business.



No matter if it is through theft or simple misplacement, losing

a laptop is a painful experience, one you should avoid at all

costs. However, if it does happen to you, be assured you can

minimize the pain by having a complete backup of your laptop's

contents. In most cases, this information will be much more

valuable than the laptop itself.



For hardware can be easily replaced, your personal data and

months/years of work may take forever to recover or redo.

Sometimes it is lost forever, so BACKUP your information

regularly. Keep your laptop and its contents safe and out

of harm's way. Simply protect yourself and your laptop by

using the tips you have just read.