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Now You See It, You Now Don’t: Preventing Laptop Computer Theft
When Irwin Jacobs, chief executive and founder of Qualcomm Inc. had his laptop stolen from a journalism conference in September 2000, it shed light on a growing problem.
Other recent events have focused national attention on the laptop security issue, consider the following:
o In July 2001 the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that 184 laptops had been stolen or lost. At least one and possibly as many as four contained classified information.
o In April 2001 the British Defense Ministry reported 205 laptops missing since 1997, most of which contained classified materials.
o In February 2000 a laptop with “highly classified” information disappeared from the U.S. State Department. Then, in May 2000 two more laptops were reported missing from the U.S. State Department.
While technology has made laptops smaller, easier to store and transport, it’s also built them into simpler to conceal and steal. It’s the convenience which has made the laptop computer so popular and the information vehicle of choice for people throughout the world.
.The pc is a valuable asset and something that should be protected, but it could be replaced, however, the info stored onto it oftentimes isn’t replaceable as well as greater value to competitors if compromised. A thief can get a few thousand dollars for a top quality laptop, but he can obtain a whole lot more for a company’s marketing plans.
High-risk Locations
A higher percentage of laptops are stolen in the office. FBI officials estimate around 75 percent of laptop thefts are committed by insiders, people who are expected to be on the premises. For instance, employees, delivery people and janitors all have access to the grounds and buildings and also have possibilities to steal unprotected laptops.
In a single case, Canadian authorities apprehended a guy thought to have stolen 20 to 30 laptops from a workplace building on the span of a couple weeks. The suspect would enter the building dressed as a maintenance employee, load computers onto a dolly and exit the building. He performed this routine so frequently, that building employees believed he was actually a member from the maintenance staff.
According to a USA Today article, heightened airport security as a result of the September 11 terrorist attack has caused an increase in the amount of lost laptops at airport checkpoints. . The issues stem from new procedures that require passengers to remove their laptops using their cases and put them through x-ray machines. They either forget to pick them up or grab a stranger’s laptop accidentally. It becomes more problematic for travelers who are singled out for magnetic wand searches and could be separated from their valuables on the conveyor belt for extended periods of time.
Business travelers also needs to pay close attention to their laptops when in the following locations:
*Hotels
*Train Stations
*Bus terminals
*Car rental agencies
*Conference Centers
*Restaurants
*Restrooms
*Payphones
Always remember, laptop theft sometimes happens anyplace, at any time.
Laptop Theft Prevention Tips
Employees
o Disguise your laptop. By carrying your laptop in a case created for computers, you alert the thieves you’ve got a laptop. Carry your laptop within an ordinary bit of luggage, satchel or other inconspicuous bag.
o Record laptops serial number, make and model information. Bare this information inside your purse or wallet therefore if your computer is stolen, the info is going to be readily available when you file a police report.
o Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place.
o Use computer-locking cables to secure the computer to some table or desk
o Never place a computer in checked luggage.
o If your laptop should be left in the car, store it in the trunk from the vehicle prior to arriving at the ultimate destination.
o Identify your travel case in some unusual way to allow it to be stand out from other bags. A silly color, colored tape or yarn or exceptionally large or brightly colored tags connected to the bag can help you immediately locate the bag and give police probable induce to stop and question the carrier.
o Also consider taping colored paper or placing a large tag on the front individuals laptop to avoid accidental mix-ups in the x-ray machine.
o Regularly support information and store it separately in case your computer is stolen.
Employers
o All laptops should be permanently marked or engraved with inventory or serial numbers so they can aid in recovery if found by the police. Seek advice from the maker regarding appropriate marking locations and warranty criteria prior to marking.
o Conduct scheduled inventories of laptops periodically.
o Proper documentation should be maintained for all laptops. Records could range from the type of equipment identifiers such as make, model and inventory or ghd serial numbers, an equipment assignment date, and the employee accountable for the laptop.
o Some companies utilize electronic asset tracking technology. Employers can tag laptops with a small electronic transponder. If an employee tries to leave your building using the computer, the machine records time, date and exit used. Some systems can also give security the ID of the employee taking the equipment.
o Access to the region where laptops are stored you should definitely assigned ought to be restricted to a limited number individuals.
o The limited access storage space should be situated away from high traffic areas.
o Access ought to be controlled to areas for example offices where employees utilize laptops. This may also be accomplished by using ID card systems.
o Some companies have established policies making employees responsible for the loss of a laptop if they don’t follow company insurance policy for safeguarding it. Communicate the policy in writing and get a signed statement of acknowledgement.
o Employers have also been known to require employees to purchase their laptops, reasoning that employees will better take care of them.
o Provide employees with loss prevention and security awareness training. E-mails, brown bag luncheons, new hire orientations security awareness literature/posters and video presentations are excellent vehicles to get the word out.
o Provide employees with adequate secure storage areas for his or her laptops such as locked security closets, cabinets and lockdown devices at desks and workstations.
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