New laptop computers are more powerful, have longer lasting
batteries, are lighter in weight than their predecessors, and readily
take advantage of the wireless networking being installed all around
the NAU campus. As such, we have seen an increase in laptop
use and several spurts of laptop theft.
Being ever more vigilant about cyber crime and identity theft,
you’ve likely taken steps to secure the data on your laptop. You’ve
installed a firewall. You update your antivirus software. You protect
your information with a strong password. You encrypt your data,
and you’re far too smart to fall for those emails that ask for your
personal information. But what about the physical laptop itself? A
minor distraction is all it takes for your laptop to vanish. If it
does, you may lose more than an expensive piece of hardware. The fact
is, if your data protections aren’t up to par, that sensitive and
valuable information in your laptop may be a magnet for an identity
Chances are you’ve heard stories about stolen laptops on the news or
from friends and colleagues. None of us thinks his or her own
laptop will be stolen—at least not until you find the trunk of your car
pried open, notice that your laptop isn’t waiting at the other
side of airport security, or get a refill at the local java joint only
to turn around and find only exposed tabletop where your laptop
OnGuardOnline, a website managed by the federal government that is
devoted to computer security, protecting personal information,
and guarding against Internet fraud, suggests keeping these tips in
mind when you take your laptop out and about:
Treat your laptop like cash. If you had a wad of money sitting on the
table at the library, would you turn your back on it—even for
just a minute? Would you put it in checked luggage? Leave it on the
backseat of your car? Of course not. Keep a careful eye on your
laptop just as you would a pile of cash.
Keep it locked. Whether you’re using your laptop in the office, a
hotel, or some other public place, a security device can make it
more difficult for someone to steal it. Use a laptop security cable and
attach it to something immovable or to a heavy piece of
furniture that’s difficult to move—say, a table or a desk.
Keep it off the floor. No matter where you are in public—at a
conference, a coffee shop, or a registration desk—avoid putting your
laptop on the floor. If you must put it down, place it between your
feet or at least up against your leg so that you’re aware of it.
Keep your passwords elsewhere. Remembering strong passwords or
access numbers can be difficult. However, leaving either in a laptop
carrying case or on your laptop is like leaving the keys in your car.
There’s no reason to make it easy for a thief to get to your
personal or corporate information.
Mind the bag. When you take your laptop on the road, carrying it in a computer case may advertise what’s inside. Consider using
a suitcase, a padded briefcase, a backpack, or even an ugly tote bag instead.
Get it out of the car. Don’t leave your laptop in the car—not on the
seat, not in the trunk. Parked cars are a favorite target of
laptop thieves; don’t help them by leaving your laptop unattended. If
you must leave your laptop behind, keep it out of sight.
Don’t leave it “for just a minute.” Your conference colleagues seem
trustworthy, so you’re comfortable leaving your laptop while
you network during a break. The people at the coffee shop seem nice, so
you ask them to keep an eye on it while you use the restroom.
Don’t leave your laptop unguarded—even for a minute. Take it with you
if you can, or at least use a cable to secure it to something
Pay strict attention in airports. Keep your eye on your laptop as
you go through security. Hold onto it until the person in front
of you has gone through the metal detector—and keep an eye out when it
emerges on the other side of the screener. The confusion and
shuffle of security checkpoints can be fertile ground for theft.
Be vigilant in hotels. If you stay in hotels, a security cable may
not be enough. Try not to leave your laptop out in your room.
Rather, use the safe in your room if there is one. If you’re using a
security cable to lock down your laptop, consider hanging the
“do not disturb” sign on your door.
Use bells and whistles. Depending on your security needs, an alarm
can be a useful tool. Some laptop alarms sound when there’s
unexpected motion or when the computer moves outside a specified range
around you. Or consider a kind of “lo-jack” for your laptop:
a program that reports the location of your stolen laptop once it’s
connected to the Internet.
Where to turn for help. If your personal laptop is stolen, report it
immediately to the local authorities. If it’s your university
laptop that’s missing, notify the local authorities and then
immediately notify your supervisor. Then go to www.nau.edu/security,
on “report an incident,” and complete the incident form.
If it’s your personal laptop and you fear that your information may be misused by an identity thief, visit www.ftc.gov/idtheft
for more information.