Securing your notebook PC

Today’s topic might seem so obvious that you just want to skip it.  But it’s one of those lessons where the practical advice might strike you at just the right time and save you from doing something foolish.  I’m talking about securing your notebook PC.

Overall, the use of notebook PCs is growing.  Meta Group reports that 40% of corporate PC users now prefer a notebook over a desktop PC.  Gartner says that notebook sales are now one-fourth of the total worldwide computer market.  With IDC predicting that about 195 million PCs will be sold worldwide in 2005, that’s another 25 million notebook PCs to come into circulation this year.

All those notebooks represent a lot of temptation – and opportunity – for thieves. It’s no surprise that notebook computers have become a target of choice for thieves.  After all, they are small, portable, easy to conceal, and worth a lot of money.  A thief can pawn a notebook PC for about half the computer’s retail value. And it happens all the time.  According to the FBI, notebook theft is the second most prevalent computer crime, following virus related offenses.

Of course, you and I know that the property loss is minute compared to the loss of confidential information that is often on the notebook.  With recent data privacy laws that have been enacted, your company could be liable if sensitive data gets into the wrong hands.  Here are just a few cases where a stolen notebook affected tens of thousands of people:

* In June 2004, 145,000 blood donors in the Los Angeles area learned that they were at risk of identity theft because their names, birth dates and social security numbers were on a notebook stolen from a locked van. 

* In March 2004, GMAC Financial Services revealed that personal information for about 200,000 customers may have been compromised when two laptops were stolen from an employee’s car.

Even if the hard disk doesn’t contain critical client information or the company’s trade secrets, it’s still a big cost to recreate the data and applications that walk out the door on a stolen notebook.  According to Gartner Group, the total loss for a stolen notebook is $6,285, when the cost of lost productivity, replacement of lost data and software, and hardware costs are considered. Of course, this figure does not include the value of the information on the laptop.

So it’s time for a little review of common sense tips to reduce the risk of having your laptop stolen.  Some of this advice is so obvious it’s like your mother telling you to wear a coat on a chilly day, yet we are a society of risk-takers, aren’t we?

* Don’t leave a notebook PC in an unlocked vehicle, even if the vehicle is in your driveway or garage.  And even if the car is locked, don’t leave the PC in plain sight.  If you must leave the PC in the car, place it in the locked trunk.  (I can personally testify to this advice; my husband had his notebook stolen from a locked car in our driveway.  The thieves removed the T-tops from the car to get the PC on the back seat.)

* Carry your notebook in a non-descript carrying case, briefcase or bag when you transport it.  Putting it in a case specifically designed for notebooks alerts thieves of what you are carrying.

* Never leave your PC in an unlocked office or conference room.  Take it with you when you head to lunch or meetings.

* Get a lock or other device that will allow you to secure the laptop to a desk or other furniture.  Visit this Web site https://www.computersecurity.com/laptop/ for a range of security products.

* Be aware that if your notebook is stolen, automatic logins and stored passwords make it easy for the thief to access your sensitive information.

* Back up your data frequently to CDs or network drives.

* Never check a notebook PC as luggage when you are flying.  And keep your eye on your notebook as it travels the conveyor belt when you pass through security check points.  Don’t place your notebook on the belt until you are ready to step through the metal detector.  The Federal Aviation Administration has issued warnings about thieves picking laptops off conveyors belt while travelers are distracted with the security screening process.

Notebook PCs are wonderful tools to enhance worker productivity.  Don’t let carelessness or complacency be the cause of a theft.

Linda Musthaler is vice president of Currid & Company.  You can write to her at mailto:Linda.Musthaler@currid.com