There are a few easy steps which every laptop user should take for the security of their computer and their data. Following these steps outlined below can keep your machine and its sensitive data out of the hands of others.
Protect your operating system with a security suite such as McAfee or Zone Labs security suites. These should include a virus scanner, spyware sweeper and a good firewall. You must not neglect to do this; viruses and trojan horses can open back doors in your system for data theft and all sorts of other mischief. Having a firewall will keep your system safe from intruders/ Another important measure is disabling file and print sharing from your Network Connections portion of the XP Control Panel and be sure to keep up to date with patches and bug fixes by turning on Automatic Updates (from your Start Menu, under Programs). New patches are always in the works to keep your system's security up to date.
Tracking and recovery systems are one way to keep your computer safer. Services like ComputracePlus and CyberAngel can protect your laptop and help find it if your machine is lost or stolen - this can get you back up and running in short order. A person who unwittingly buys a stolen notebook will likely connect it to the internet - and then the machine will begin to broadcast its location, enabling it to be found quickly. The IP address is logged and traced; local authorities can use this information to locate your lost computer and get it back to you.
Tag or engrave your computer. Engraving or otherwise permanently marking the outer casing of your computer with your company name and contact information greatly increases the chances of having your computer returned if it is lost. Tamper resistant asset tags can also be used to help your computer find its way back to you if lost or stolen. Only 3% of unmarked computers are ever recovered; marking yours can deter thieves and keep your laptop from ending up on eBay or another online auction site.
Docking stations with locking cables are a way to keep your laptop safe - a staggering 40% of laptop thefts happen right in the office. Housekeepers and janitors, contractors and your own colleagues are generally the culprits. A docking station which locks to your desktop can keep your system safe. If you must leave the laptop overnight or longer, you should lock your computer in a filing cabinet and if possible, lock the office door as well.
Another commonly stolen item is any PCMCIA card left sticking out of a laptop. While not terribly expensive, it can be an annoyance to replace these cards. Eject them when not in use and lock them in a secure location.
There are a lot of other options for security measures; depending on your needs you may want to consider gadgets such as biometric ID systems (these let you use your fingerprint rather than a password), hard drive locks, even alarms and motion detectors! These solutions can be very expensive, so think carefully about whether or not you really need these measures before you buy.
Again, tracking software and services are a good idea. If your laptop can check in periodically, it will be much simpler top trace and recover your computer if it should be stolen or lost. ZTrace, CompuTrace, SecureIT and others all offer these services to companies and individuals alike.
Treat your laptop as the valuable asset that it is and don't just leave it lying around. Lock it down whenever it is not in use with cables and docking stations. Never make the assumption that no one will steal your computer; it happens all the time.
A plain carrying case for your laptop is a better idea than a high end laptop bag which obviously carries an expensive machine. Having a company logo on your bag is a dead giveaway that what you have is worth stealing. Try a padded sleeve for your laptop instead, which can then be carried in less overt ways such as in a briefcase or backpack. Finally, try locking the zippers on your bag; this will prevent people from reaching in and making off with your computer while you are looking the other way.
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