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.
Oh oh, looks like I really need to follow these tips. I am guilty of doing many of the items above,
I keep hearing about LoJack. I am going to have to check it out. Thanks!
I was forced to gate check my carry on once and when I got my bag back the screen was shattered.
I always worry about my laptop getting stolen when I travel. I am going to have to check out LoJack!
i rarely take my laptop out of my house.but if i do i never let it out of my sight.those are some great tips.
I never really thought about it before. You need to be so careful these days. Thanks for sharing!
Oh yeah, there is absolutely no way I would leave my laptop somewhere to go to the bathroom, not even for a minute. Great tips, my whole life is on my laptop, so I cannot afford to lose it.
These are good tips to know. My husband needs a lap top for business trips. We’re still not sure which brand to get, though.
My main computer is a laptop but I use it like a desktop and usually don’t take it anywhere. I can definitely see how these tips could come in handy and could not imagine having my computer lost or stolen.
I make sure that i keep my laptop with me all the time if im out ..At home it keep it in the drawr under my reading/ work table,..Quite paranoid actually about my laptop .Theses are some very useful tip that a person should keep in mind to keep their laptops safe .