Call me paranoid, but I am willing to go to great lengths to protect the information that is stored on my laptop, tablet, and smartphone. From online banking to having the ability to work from home, today’s technology has sure made life easier for us. Think for a moment about everything that is stored on your laptop, that could be damaging to you if it got into the hands of a thief. Maybe it’s last year’s tax return or a doc containing all of your passwords? In my continued partnership with Absolute LoJack to promote Device Theft Awareness Month, I am sharing tips to keep your laptop safe.
Theft of smartphones, laptops and tables is a real problem. Last year 3.1 million smartphones were stolen in the U.S. alone. I am pretty careful when it comes to protecting my devices, but there is always more that can be done. What are mistakes are you making that put your personal information at risk? Check out the graphic below which points out 5 things that make you an easy target for thieves.
Tips to Keep Your Laptop Safe
Since we take these miracles of technology with us everywhere, how do we protect them?
Never leave your laptop unattended. That means you college student, in the library, working hard on your paper! Don’t leave that laptop on the table when you go looking for another book, to the bathroom or to the printer.
Beware of where you sit. If you must take your laptop with you to the coffee shop, don’t sit by the door where it’s easy for someone to snatch it and run. Don’t even leave it on the table when you go to pick up your $10 coffee!
Leave it in the car? Where? Not in plain sight and, if you put it in the trunk (still a risk), don’t let anyone see you, be discreet.
Is it safe in your hotel room? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! If there is not a safe in your room that the item will fit in, hide it. Turn your TV up loud and place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. At least the would-be thief will think twice before entering.
Going on vacation or business trip? Whatever you do, don’t check your laptop in your luggage. Not everyone is interested in protecting your property; even employees of the airport/airlines and TSA have been arrested for thefts of passenger’s property.
Plan on using that device on the plane? Don’t EVER put it in the pocket behind the seat: number one place laptops are lost on planes. They tend to fall down into the pocket and, after listening to the endless chatter of your neighbor, you forget you even put it there.
Smart Storage. Have you ever thought of what you carry your computer or device in? Is it obvious that you are carrying it? Try to use bags that don’t scream, “here I am, come and get me”. Especially if your primary mode of transportation is walking or public transit. Bad guys these days would rather have your computer than your purse.
Can’t remember that password? PLEASE don’t write on a sticky and place on your computer… really? Why even have one? Make your password strong and unrelated to who you are or anything a thief might have access to when they steal your bag or device.
Absolute LoJack Uncovered: If you do happen to become the unfortunate victim of device theft, leave the recovery of your device to the professionals. Absolute LoJack, an industry leader in laptop tracking software and smartphone tracking software, offers peace of mind by protecting your data in the event of a stolen device. Unlike other security services that only locate missing devices, Absolute LoJack is dedicated to recovering stolen devices and returning them to their rightful owners. Absolute LoJack has a highly skilled Investigations Team made up of former law enforcement professionals with extensive training in computer forensics and cyber crime. Their expertise and data protection software will ensure your device gets back into the right hands.
Do you do a good job of protecting your devices? Take the “How secure do you keep your laptop? Test” and get your security personality!
Exclusive Offer for My Readers: Get 30% Off a One-Year Absolute LoJack Standard or Premium Subscription. Just use the promo code UNCOVER30 at checkout. This offer is valid through August 31, 2014. You don’t want to miss out on this savings!
For crime prevention info and tips, be sure to follow hashtag #AbsoluteUncovered on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.
I was compensated for this post but all opinions are my own.
Great tips! With computers being so commonplace and part of everything we do, their security is critical!
Last time I was in an airport lounge, someone left his backpack and went to the bathroom. He was gone for at least 15 minutes and I couldn’t believe he would leave his things alone out there.
These are great tips!
This is perfect for back to school, i need to get my son one.
I need to get this for my laptop asap and it’s so great for kids going back to college as well.
My laptop rarely leaves my house, but my husband has a work laptop that he takes to and from his office every day. He is bad about leaving it in his car – sometimes in the back seat where it can be seen. Going to let him know he needs to be safer with it!
I am so paranoid about my laptop that whenever I take it somewhere, it is my constant companion.
Great tips. I don’t have a laptop at the moment, but will consider LoJack when I replace mine.
I rarely travel with my laptop, so I don’t worry about mine as much as I probably should. I don’t think a lojack could hurt anyone, though.
I’m always terrified that I’m going to do something to damage my laptop! The last time I left it on the arm rest of the couch, it got knocked off and broke…I’m going to have to try some of these tips!