There are a host of security options available – from locks to data encryption to online tracking of your notebook – to help you keep it that way.
According to crime surveys, more dollars are lost due to notebook-PC theft than from any other computer crime, barring viruses. So what can you do to avoid becoming a statistic? Here are some devices that address security at all levels – from physical theft to stolen information.
Locks with keys
Most notebooks come with a locking port that you can connect to cable locks. Consider one of these:
If you need to step out of your hotel without your laptop and are worried about its security, look into the lightweight Targus Retractable Cable Travel Lock (US$29.77, www.targus.com), with which you can attach your laptop to a desk. It’s equally handy if you’re at the airport and want to get yourself a cup of coffee. You don’t have to lug your laptop with you; just lock it to your chair. Comes with an adaptor in case your laptop doesn’t have a port to connect the lock.
If you want a lock with an alarm, you can go for the MicroSaver Alarmed Computer Lock (www.kensington.com, US$54.99), which can be heard from 50m away. A six-foot-long aircraft-grade steel cable attaches your notebook to the desk while the patented T-bar lock securely locks your precious device by attaching itself once the cable is passed through it. If the cable connecting the notebook and the desk is cut, the alarm goes off.
While the two above lock via the security port on the laptop, there is the SNAP-Lock (US$29.95, www.secure-it.com) that also locks to the fastener plate (given with the device) on workstations with an adhesive that do not have a portal or area where a notebook cable can pass through. The fastener has a larger bracket to allow a looped notebook cable through. All you need to do is snap the lock into the fastener plate with glue at the top of the desk. SNAP-Lock can also be used to secure monitors, LCD projectors, TV’s, printers, X Box, Playstation, Nintendo and stereo equipment.
Keyless security
If you’d rather go keyless and have a combination lock, try the PC Guardian Ezolution Resettable Combo Lock (US$32.91, www.pcguardian.com). There’s also the PC Guardian Master Coded Combo Lock (US$39.89), which has a push-button head for press-and-go convenience. You can set your own combination and in case you forget your code, there is an administrator code that you can use to open and reset the lock.
Motion detector alarms protect laptops when there’s nothing to tether them to. The Kensington SonicLock (US$39.99, see picture below) locks into the laptop’s security slot and shrieks at 100 dB if the unit is moved. This lightweight and compact alarm features three-digit user-programmable combination keypad and has no keys to fumble with or lose. Just be careful, because the alarm is not too sensitive, so it doesn’t shriek when you move it very slowly. Since most thefts happen in a jiffy, this device sure works!
Tag it
STOP-Lock (Security Tracking of Office Property), priced at US$39.95 can be bought on Amazon and a whole host of portals, including the parent company, www.stoptheft.com. This device is a two-in-one security tracking and locking device. Its lightweight six-foot steel locking cable snaps into a specially-designed security plate on the underside of the laptop that locks it down to the desk and prevents snatch-and-run theft. A stick-on bar-coded ID plate (you can stick it yourself) identifies your laptop in an international registry. If the thief tries to remove the label, an indelible red tattoo shows up on the underside of the casing saying, ‘Stolen Property. Call 1-800-488-STOP’. It’ll be difficult for the thief to sell this laptop as its resale value is down to zero. There’s also a toll-free number of Stop Theft to call on the security plate in case someone finds it. Once the call is received, the company informs the laptop owner.
Bag it
If you are always on the move and looking for a theft-free laptop shoulder bag, Pacsafe 300 (US$99.95, www.pacsafe.com) could do it for you. It’s a backpack with lockable zippers but no keys and has a built-in combination lock that allows the bag to lock closed and lock around secure fixtures like a bedpost or table. The bags are spacious, fully padded and designed for 13″ laptops. There are separate pockets to keep a mobile phone, PDA, digital camera and MP3 player. Not to mention, pens, card slots, umbrella and a water bottle.
Track it
To track your laptop down in case of theft, install Locate Laptop (US$24, www.locatelaptop.com) on your computer. If THE laptop goes missing, you can log in to the Web-based tracking account set up by the company to view and trace where your laptop has been accessed from – this works only if someone uses it. So in case of theft, all you need to do is alert the emergency response team of Locate Laptop. Once they get back to you with the place it was accessed from, you ask the local police to swing into action. As soon as the offender connects to the Internet with your laptop, you will get to know the city and IP (Internet Provider) address he is operating from. There have been many cases of laptops being retrieved in this manner. However, it all depends on how fast the law enforcement authorities react to your call for help, and the situation is different in different countries. But there is hope.
Encrypt it
Have sensitive data? Encrypt it through free open source programs such as TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php). This will give you an extra layer of protection. No data can be read or decrypted without the correct password or encryption keys. Windows users can use Encrypted File System (EFS) to encrypt files and folders. The installed software allows you to create an encrypted volume and all you need to do is transfer all your data into this volume and keep it safe and secure.
Disable it
Windows lets you disable almost any piece of hardware via Device Manager: Right-click My Computer, select Manage, Device Manager, double-click the drive or port you want to disable, and under ‘Device usage’, select ‘Do not use this device (disable)’. Since enabling it takes as little time as disabling it, you will have to do this every time you leave your laptop alone. However, be aware that this technique would merely slow down a data thief, who could reverse the changes using any administrator account on the system.
AND FINALLY…
If your laptop is stolen, there are two simple things you can do to help increase the odds that you get it back. First, record your serial number in a separate location. You will need this to prove ownership of any recovered laptop and claim insurance. Second, register your hardware with the manufacturer. You can contact them if your laptop is stolen, so if the thief ever sends it in for repair, you will be alerted.
(This piece has appeared in Silverkris, the inflight magazine of Singapore Airlines)