Do you know what you would lose if your laptop was stolen? Laptops
are very valuable organizational assets because they contain many work
files that are important to the corporate and may contain sensitive
business information, which must be protected at all times.
When a
laptop is lost or stolen, it is not just the computer that is stolen or
lost; it is all of the information stored on it. Laptop security is
important to the corporate that its information in the laptop is not
seen and/or used by unauthorized people.
A laptop is a great work
tool because it is so portable. You can access information stored on the
laptop any time you want and if you have authorization, you can connect
it to the corporate computer network remotely.
The downside with
laptops is that they can store massive amounts of business information
that normally would not leave the confines of the office and computer
networks. Therefore, laptop security guidelines are very essential to be
applied within the corporate.
Laptop Contents
You should
ensure that you only have files and other information on your laptop
that you absolutely need to do your job whilst you are not connected to
the corporate computer network. Get into the habit of transferring your
files to a network folder whenever you are connected.
Highly Sensitive Business Information
Please ensure that you do not load information that is highly sensitive
or sensitive (classified) onto your laptop, unless you have
authorization to do so.
Laptop Backups
If you are not in the
habit of routinely backing up your files on your laptop, you run the
risk of losing your files and other valuable information if your
computer crashes or is stolen. The best way to backup your files is to
transfer them to a network folder whenever you are connected to the
corporate computer network.
Cafes and Hotels
Keeping your
laptop in sight at all times is especially important when you are in a
cafe, restaurant or hotel etc. These are popular places for opportunists
to steal mobile phones, wallets, handbags and of course laptops. It
only takes a moment to be distracted while someone moves into steal from
you. The best way to counter this type of theft is to have your laptop
on the floor against your leg so you can feel its weight, and if you
have a long carry strap, put your foot on or through the carry strap.
This way you will know if someone tries to take it.
Conferences and Seminars
It is particularly important for you to protect your laptop if you take
it to a conference or seminar. You cannot rely upon the security of the
conference site, nor expect the support staff, to protect the laptop
for you. It is not usually a good idea to take your laptop to these
types of events, unless of course you don't mind carrying it with you at
all times, even during breaks.
Travel
Whenever you travel,
whether by walking, by car or using some form of public transport, your
laptop can be vulnerable to theft or loss. It can be quite simple when
you have other things on your mind, to accidentally leave your laptop
behind when you get off a bus or jump out of a taxi. It is important for
you to stay focused, alert and to keep your laptop close to you at all
times. Again, wrap the carry strap around your person to prevent theft.
Laptops in Parked Cars
Remember; do not leave your laptop in a car in plain sight, unattended
at any time. If you absolutely must leave your laptop in the car for any
reason, put it into the boot of your car discretely. Don't forget to
remove it, especially if using a hire car. Don't leave your laptop in
the boot of your car for long periods on very hot days. Numerous laptops
have been stolen from parked cars because they are attractive items for
a quick cash sale. So please think before you act.
Disguise
There have been instances where people have been mugged specifically for
their laptops. If you are walking through high-risk areas, you should
consider disguising the fact you are carrying a laptop by placing it in a
backpack or sports bag.
No comments:
Post a Comment