There are, however, steps IT departments and individual employees can take to reduce the risk of losing key hardware and data. John Livingston, chairperson and CEO of Absolute Software Corp., a Vancouver, British Columbia company that provides computer theft recovery and tracking solutions, describes it as "multi-layered approach" involving these key steps:

Understand the risks. As an organization increases the mobility of its workforce, it also increases potential security risks.
Be proactive. Educate yourself about the tools and techniques commonly used by cyber criminals.
Use cable locks on laptops as visual deterrents. They may not be strong enough to prevent theft, but they at least leave a mark when removed by force.
Avoid leaving unsecured notebooks unattended, especially in cars. Lock laptops in the trunk or cover it up if it has to be left in a car, even during a lunch break.
Keep laptops inconspicuous. Carry them in a standard tote bag or backpack rather than an obvious laptop case.
Install anti-virus software and firewalls. You can prevent some unauthorized access and protect information with data encryption software.
Back-up data on a scheduled basis. To minimize the risk to the company, make sure all laptops are backed up routinely to a central server.
Create a contingency plan. Identify the kind of damage that would occur in the event of a security breach and make it part of the organization's overall disaster recovery plan.
Use asset tracking and recovery software. Install GPS-based asset tracking and recovery tools to track and recover computers that are lost or stolen.
Invest in advanced data protection. Some software allows customers to track fixed, remote and mobile computer assets and remotely wipe sensitive information in the event of a loss or theft.

Instant Insights /

Simple Steps Can Increase Laptop Security

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