16 Security Tips for Better Laptop Protection

As laptops become increasingly popular so does the opportunities for the common thief. Everyday laptops are stolen all over the globe and when it’s a business notebook with sensitive data huge risks are involved. For the average non business user of laptops its usually bank details, credit card details, passwords and account numbers that are at risk.

Why Security Is Important For Laptops

Performing some of the easiest security tasks can greatly lower the risks of having your laptop stolen and data compromised. If your laptop holds sensitive personal or business data then these 16 tips for laptop protection are essential.

Every day thousands of laptops around the world are being misplaced or stolen. This year (2008) the Ponemon Institute carried out and found that over 12,000 laptops go missing each week in airports across the U.S. You can read the full report by clicking here (PDF File).

Essential Steps To Protecting Laptops

Due to the reasons why we would use a laptop its essential that we take as much precaution as possible to protect the laptop from being a cause of a data breach. Below are some simple and straight for tips to help protect your laptop and its data in the event of its being misplaced or stolen.

1. Outdoors use a rucksack instead of a laptop carry-case
2. When driving place your laptop securely in the trunk
3. Place a unique identifiable label on the base of the laptop
4. Use a Biometric laptop for better security
5. Protect the System using strong passwords
6. Encrypt business & personal data using encryption software
7. Perform regular backups of the laptop
8. Use a reliable firewall
9. Install a reliable anti-virus application
10. Secure wireless networks and disable when not using the internet
11. Never connect to unknown Wireless networks
12. Lock the laptop away in a cabinet or drawer when not in use
13. Use a locking device to secure laptop to a desk
14. Use internet tracking & alerting software
15. Record the serial number of the notebook
16. Register the laptop with the manufacture as proof of ownership