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LAPTOP COMPUTER SECURITY

By Chris Joscelyne

The laptop computer has become an attractive target for thieves. Computer theft is now one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States, the UK and Australia. Last year over 580,000 laptops were reported stolen in the US.

Here are some simple tips and hints that will help you guard against unauthorised access to the data on your laptop computer and reduce the risk of your machine being stolen.

Save a copy of your purchase receipt. Make a copy of the serial number and description of your laptop. Keep the information in a safe place.

Identify your laptop with an asset plate or engraving. Law enforcement agencies report that 97% of unmarked computers are never recovered. A tamper resistant asset plate with its indelible tattoo is popular with corporate enterprises. This creates a clear visual deterrent to would be thieves.

Install an encryption utility to protect your private files. This will prevent unauthorised access to your data, even if your laptop is stolen. Some encryption programs are weak and are easily defeated by thieves who have some technical knowledge, so it is important that you install a high quality encryption product.

Install a personal firewall to prevent intrusion via the Internet. This protects your laptop from hacker abuse. Some high quality firewalls are available free for personal use.

Keep anti-virus software up to date. Because laptops may not be connected to enterprise servers, they may miss scheduled virus definitions updates. Ensure that your laptop has access to regular online updates. The best choice for laptop use is anti-virus software that has very low demand on system overheads.

Carry your laptop in an unassuming, padded bag. This avoids the unwanted attention that an expensive leather briefcase can attract. Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place. Opportunistic thieves often frequent cafes, restaurants, airport lounges, hotel bars and fitness venues.

Office security. Reports indicate that almost 40% of laptop thefts occur in the office. Poorly screened guests, outside contractors or disgruntled employees are the usual suspects. Lock your laptop in a secure cupboard or filing cabinet when you leave your office.

Never leave your laptop in a hotel room unless an anti-theft device is fitted. Over 80% of laptops are equipped with a Universal Security Slot (USS) that allows them to be attached to a cable lock or alarm. Portable locking devices and motion sensor alarms are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Locking devices are sold at most computer stores.

Your car. Never leave your laptop in open view in your car, even if the car is locked. Also, be aware that summer heat inside your car can cause damage.

Airport security. Never put your laptop on the airport security x-ray machine belt before you have a clear view to the other end of the belt. There are several scams (usually involving two people) where one person creates a diversion while the second steals the victim’s laptop.

Do not leave your laptop unattended at conventions and conferences. Despite warnings from venue operators, many delegates leave their laptops and PDA devices unattended in conference rooms during coffee breaks and mealtimes. Laptop thieves target business conferences because they know that valuable equipment can be found in meeting rooms. Most conventions only check the IDs of attendees on the first day, making it easy for outsiders to enter rooms and steal goods on subsequent days.

Keep removable media secure. Your floppy disks, Zip disks, CD-ROMs, Memory Sticks etc could contain private and confidential information that a thief could use. Store removable media in a safe place and encrypt private and confidential files.

Remove PCMCIA cards and modem cards when not in use. Eject the cards and put them in a safe place. These cards can be valuable and are attractive targets for thieves. Remember too, that leaving removable cards in their slots consumes battery power and contributes to heat levels within your laptop.

Disable the infrared port to prevent others from browsing your files across a room without your knowledge. Disable the IR port via the BIOS or simply cover it with a small piece of black electrical tape or similar material. 
 

Never assume that your laptop is safe when you leave it unattended. Most thefts are "crimes of opportunity", so treat your laptop as though it were a couple of thousand dollars in cash lying around, and take appropriate steps to protect it.

About the author: Chris Joscelyne serves as President of Rotary eClub One. He is the Immediate Past President of the Australian IT Security Forum and the founder of an IT security company that serves the Asia Pacific Region.

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