debcook

You carry a laptop. The laptop is loaded with expensive software and private files that need to be kept from prying eyes. So how do you keep such an investment safe?

Notebook locks are a physical restraining device that literally attaches to the notebook to a stationary item such as a desk or pillar with a cable. A combination lock completes the security circle. Some cable locks have an alarm capability so that if the cable is cut you are immediately notified.

Use a laptop sleeve to protect your laptop inside an ordinary case or bag. Thieves are on the lookout for easy targets and a laptop bag is their first clue. You cannot keep your hands and eyes on a bag every minute. As soon as the bag is left vulnerable it only takes a second for it to disappear.

Laptop alarms help when the worst happens. Some can be set to sound off if the laptop bag is moved within a specified distance from a sensor that you keep in your pocket. You would have the opportunity to know what was taking place in time to take action.

If your laptop is stolen hopefully you have already installed tracking software on it. The theory is that if the thief lets the laptop connect to the Internet an alert is sent to you via email that helps you locate it.

One of the easiest ways to discourage a laptop thief is to put a sticker on it that is hard to remove. Stickers or tags can be purchased that have your information on it so the stolen laptop can be returned to you. Often selling the laptop is the intent so the stickers make it less appealing.

These devices are not very expensive. Well known companies such as Kinsington and Targus, sell products such as the ones mentioned above. Cable locks typically cost around $30 and one with an alarm would cost around $50. Tracking software (XTool and CyberAngle) is usually charged on a yearly fee basis – typically about $50-$60 per year. Specialty stickers (stoptheft) are usually about $10 each. All small investments when compared to the cost of a laptop and the data contained on it.