Notebook Computer Theft Is Prevalent Yet Preventable

The advantages of portable technology are undeniable. Notebook computers take the company outside the office and into the action. Unfortunately that's where the risk is.

According to Symantec, a laptop is stolen in the U.S. every 53 seconds. Jason Roberts, marketing manager for PC Guardian, says the numbers are increasing 20% per year. Even worse, the FBI reports 98% of stolen computers are never recovered.¹

Lose one and all sorts of sensitive personal and business data, documents, and emails enter the public domain. A 2006 Ponemon Institute study pegged the average cost of a company laptop theft at $5 million.2 While we're not sure how Ponemon arrived at such a high number, suffice it to say that protecting oneself and one's company deserves a significant measure of preventive action.

Fair Warning

Awareness is your initial preemptive act. Regular people become victims when they let their guard down.

A momentary step away from your laptop while at Starbucks; conversing with a potential client in a crowded conference room following your presentation; delayed at airport security with your laptop out of sight. These are just a few of the countless scenarios where a lack of awareness and caution invites trouble and inconvenience.

Be warned. Never let your laptop out of your sight!

Secure Your Data and Equipment

Of course, maintaining a regular data backup is a must. You don't want to lose access to your personal or corporate data. But ensuring your access to the data is only half the issue. The other half is keeping it out of someone else's hands.

Encryption technology protects your data. Most encryption services also provide a means for tracing your stolen equipment.

Leading providers of encryption technology include Absolute Software, The CyberAngel and Stealth Signal (www.xtool.com). These companies offer not only exceptional security technology, they are also a source of valuable information on the subject.

Absolute Software (www.absolute.com) touts what it calls Computrace Complete, which is a tamper-resistant software application that, in the event your notebook is stolen, will send you detailed information about any changes made to the information in your notebook.

Laptops and tablets guarded by The CyberAngel (www.thecyberangel.com) benefit from patented technology that silently transmits an alert to the company's Security Monitoring Center, identifying the computer's location.

Biometric devices are gaining popularity. These use fingerprinting, eye patterns and signature styling. These security measures start around $59.

Portability, not Vulnerability

Remember, the loss is preventable, and you can take steps to prevent damage if your laptop is lost or stolen. The starting point is keen awareness. Encryption and tracking cost a little extra but are a business essential, and it's a small price to pay for the benefits and profits of mobility.

SOURCE INFORMATION:

¹ Chris A. MacKinnon, "Notebook Tracking, Recovery & Data Protection - Don't Leave the Enterprise Without It," Processor (9 February 2007) 29.6: 1 (http://www.processor.com).

² MacKinnon 1.

³ MacKinnon 1.

Jim Seymour, "Know Where Your Notebook Is," PC Magazine (June 2001) (http://findarticles.com)

Baria M. Abdur-Razzaq, "Top Ways to Secure Your Notebook," PC Magazine (Online Extra) (http://findarticles.com)

Andrea Peiro, "Your laptop got stolen! Now what? - Why I wouldn't have lost any sleep if it had been mine," Small Business Technology Magazine (31 March 2006) 14 (www.sbtechnologymagazine.org)