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Protection Your Laptop from Theft
While advances in technology
are generally driven by the desire to make things easier for people,
sometimes this 'convenience factor' is passed on to some of the more
shady members of the community.
For example, the constantly shrinking size and weight of laptop
computers (and corresponding increase in value) has seen them overtake
mobile phones, cash, credit cards, audio-visual equipment and other
portable items, as the most popular target for thieves.
Stolen laptops generally disappear without a trace, most of them ending
up sold for a fraction of their worth by 'friends of friends' or 'the
bloke down the pub'.
Tony Jackson, insurance specialist, warns that small business premises
are becoming an increasingly popular source for thieves.
“In the past, the primary target in offices and factories was money and
light goods of some value. Desktop computers have not been targeted
because of their size, weight and relatively low value,” Jackson said .
Jackson adds: “Since laptop computers have, in some offices, replaced
desktops, a thief can now collect 4 or more laptops under one arm at a
retail value of $15,000 versus one desktop worth $1,500.”
Obviously the best way for small companies to prevent the loss of such
important business tools is to keep them within sight at all times.
However, in industries such as retail, construction and hospitality this
isn't always possible.
Security specialist, Gilles Novel, says many companies learn the hard
way about office security.
“The first thing companies need to do is to review the current security
procedures in place to protect assets coming in and out of the premises.
The review should cover building security, access control, monitoring
and asset management.”
Jackson says there are several security choices.
Either store all laptops out of sight, preferably in a locked cabinet or
equipment safe or take them home - at least they will only be stolen one
at a time.
Jackson also warns not to leave laptops in your vehicle any more than
you would leave a sack of $4,000 cash, because there's no difference.
For anyone wanting to take a more pro-active approach, a wide range of
security products are currently on the market.
For example, some security companies distribute tracking systems that
use the Internet to find lost or stolen computer equipment.
“[These systems build] a list of firmware serial numbers from components
in the system. So even if a stolen computer is broken up, the components
can still be traced when used in a computer that uses our software,” he
says.
Other companies have created products as diverse as bullet-proof
briefcases that can be anchored to a table or desk, various padlocks,
elaborate alarm systems and data-protection software.
Small business owners should also consider that while the latest laptop
may cost them up to $5,000 or more, they may stand to suffer much more
in terms of important data or sensitive information lost.
This problem is most easily solved by regularly saving information and
storing it in at least one other location.
In the event of laptop theft, any stolen information can be protected by
restricting access to a laptop's hard-drive using the latest encryption
technology.
Novel says: “We recommend you use software solutions that combine file
encryption, strong access control and boot protection. Data protection
is the next step in computer security, however file encryption is the
best guarantee against data theft today.”
Improved security measures aside, it is inevitable that this kind of
crime will continue to happen. It is therefore strongly advisable that
small business owners seek out the appropriate insurance cover to
protect themselves from possible laptop theft.
But this may not be as easy as it seems.
According to Jackson, insurance is becoming harder to find because of
the escalating theft problem.
Prevention remains a much better alternative though and remember that
laptops are built to be easily transported, so in many situations they
may not need to be left in an empty office overnight.
In any case, common sense should be allowed to prevail. Even simple
measures like establishing office rules covering where a machine can and
can't go and where it should be left, should be made.
Useful Web resources include:
CNN.com - Security experts seek to combat laptop
theft
Corporate Travel Safety - Laptop Theft, Know
Before You Go
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