Laptops are not inexpensive, that is a certainty. Even a less expensive notebook computer seems quite pricey when compared to a comparable desktop machine. Unfortunately, one of the same factors which make them so attractive (portability) also makes them very easy to steal. Keeping your laptop secure is something that you must keep in mind as a laptop owner.
The losses due to theft, hacking and damage to laptop computers each year are astronomical.
You are, of course, well aware of the need to keep your laptop safe. A laptop bag, while it will keep your machine safe from scratches and dents as you carry it around, but this will hardly deter thieves. Hackers and the swarms of viruses and spyware programs out there may not be kept away by a simple firewall, no matter how good it is.
If you are a typical laptop owner, you have a lot of important data on your laptop. Work documents, personal files such as pictures, archived email and the like, all sorts of things you don't want falling into someone else's hands. Laptop security is a concern of paramount importance, and there is much more to it than just keeping someone from running off with your laptop. It is the contents of the computer that must be guarded as well; read further for some tips on keeping your computer safe.
Physical Laptop Security
Physical laptop security is the first element in keeping your laptop secure. This is basically preventing your computer from being damaged or stolen, for instance from being dropped, knocked against walls while walking and the like. Not to mention losing your computer by leaving it behind somewhere.
Keeping your laptop with you at all times is one way to ensure its security. Not only will this prevent someone from walking off with it, you won't have to worry about others whom may not be as trustworthy as you think from getting access to your computer and having it disappear. With an expensive piece of equipment containing so much personal information, it is best not to let anyone, even those you may trust, alone with your computer.
Getting a lock for your laptop bag is a smart move. One thing that is often seen in laptop theft is the thief simply removing the laptop from the bag and leaving the bag, leading the hapless owner to think their laptop is still safe and sound. A lock can at the very least, prevent this type of theft.
Another part of physical laptop security is cables and locks, which can be used to keep your computer attached to a desk so they are much more difficult to walk off with. This will deter many thieves. Locks can be used to prevent access to your computer, making it essentially useless to anyone who would steal it. These locks can be physical or software based, but can make many laptop thieves think twice about choosing your machine as a target.
Laptop Data Security
Equally important is data security. No matter what you use your laptop for; you certainly want to keep prying eyes out of your laptop. Many malicious types out there have made a hobby of disrupting people's laptops and destroying their valuable data.
In some cases, this data is stolen and used for personal gain (such as financial information and the like); in other cases they merely destroy data, making it unusable. Hackers are often people with too much time on their hands and the know how to do serious damage to your computer, but there are ways to protect yourself.
Tips to Enhance Your Laptop Security
Here are a few ways to keep your computer as secure as possible. While nothing can provide 100% protection, following these guidelines will keep your laptop a much less tempting target for thieves and hackers.
-Keep your computer locked down with cables
-Password protect your system with a login screen
-Take out insurance on your machine for fire, flood and theft
-Keep your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs updated
-Whenever possible, keep your laptop with you
If you didn't need that laptop, you no doubt would have opted for a desktop computer instead - your laptop is important to you, so do your best to keep it safe. There are measures to protect the physical and data security of your machine and it is in your best interest to protect this, one of your most prized possessions.
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