Traveling? Treat Your Laptop like Cash!
In today’s society, traveling with a laptop seems like an everyday occurrence, whether for “mobile office” or just personal use. There are some things you should be aware of when traveling with your laptop. Since it is portable and portable items can be easily lost or stolen. Here are a few tips to help avoid heartache and an employer’s wrath.
#1 Treat your laptop like cash. Some of the information might be replaceable. Other information, however, may be irreplaceable. There is also the risk of someone using the information to further their cause (attempt to sell it back to you, or one of your competitors). If nothing else, it will be the hell and countless hours you have to go through to get another machine and get it setup just like the laptop which disappeared.
#2 Never leave your laptop alone and exposed, ANYWHERE! Not in the car, not in a conference, not anywhere someone armed with a crowbar or just a bag can easily grab it. Airports are especially notorious for this type of theft.
#3 Invest in a security lock. These long steel cables can be used to lock your laptop to a bench, table, or other stationary object, via a dial (or padlock) which can only be removed by someone with the code or key. Otherwise, the computer has to be damaged to remove it from this lock. One way to increase the difficulty of taking your laptop from an exposed area is to run the cable through the handles of your brief case, thus adding a damper to a swift pull. That is: if your handles absorb some of the tug of someone trying to make off with your laptop, it will be much harder for them to yank the lock mechanism from your laptop. Some companies require its employees to use a lock even if their laptop is in the trunk of the car. If attending a conference, the laptop must be locked to a table or some other object which is difficult to move. The idea is to deter the casual thief. Most thefts are non-targeted and opportunistic. By placing a lock on your laptop you are preventing this from possibly happening. A good lock costs about $25 and can be found at most electronics retailers.
#4 Never carry written passwords with your computer. If you must write down passwords (we recommend you never do, but we realize this is not realistic for some) keep them in a separate bag or in your wallet. So in the event your computer is stolen, you still have your passwords which can changed if needed.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Scott Greene, Evidence Solutions, Inc.
For over 30 years, Scott Greene has been helping companies meet the challenges of the swiftly evolving computer technology industry.
Directly from high school, Scott went to work for IBM. Scott studied Systems Engineering at the University of Arizona. He has since earned certifications in many products and programming languages.
The Evidence Solutions team analyzes data from Computers, Cell Phones, Black Boxes, Dispatch Systems, Medical Records, Email systems and more. Scott then explains the digital evidence in plain English.
Scott’s extensive knowledge draws clients to him from all over the United States as well as Internationally for consulting, Forensics and expert witness services. His extensive and diverse experience allows him to be an expert in many facets of digital and electronic evidence. Scott, a sought after speaker and educator, travels throughout the country sharing his knowledge and presenting to local, regional, national and International organizations.
Copyright Evidence Solutions, Inc.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
