Laptop security is much like PC security, but there are some special issues that need to be taken into consideration. Due to the portability factor, notebook computers require extra security measures….

Laptop computers present some special security challenges, especially if you take your laptop outside your home or business. Here are some laptop computer security basic tips that will help ensure your notebook PC remains safe, healthy and secure:

• Use an Internet Security Suite
  
  
  • A laptop computer that is used outside the home or office is more prone to viruses, spyware and theft. This is especially true if you use your notebook on public networks. When you connect your laptop to a public wired or wireless network (such as in a hotel, airport or restaraunt), you are leaving yourself wide open to intrusion if your laptop is not properly protected. A public network is generally unsecured, allowing anyone access. Public networks are havens for hackers, snoops and thieves looking to get their hands on some personal information. Without some serious protection, you could be a sitting duck if you use your laptop in these places.
  
  
  • An internet security suite is a "bundle" of software that offers several different types of protection against the most common network security threats. At minimum, your security suite should include an antivirus product, anti spyware, and a personal firewall.
  
  


• Use a Laptop Locking Cable
  
  
  • If you use a laptop computer in a place where others have access to it, use a laptop locking cable if you must leave your laptop unattended. A notebook lock is a cable that resembles a bicycle locking cable. It connects to your laptop and wraps around a stationary object - like a table leg. it is secured with a keyed or combination lock.
  
  
  • For the best protection against laptop theft, get a laptop locking cable with an alarm. If anyone tries to steal your laptop, a high pitched shreak scares most thieves away.
  
  
  • Laptop locks are inexpensive and highly recommended for use in dormitories, libraries and offices.
  
  
  • Close to 1 million laptop computers are stolen in the USA each year. Because they are lightweight, thieves can take a laptop in a matter of seconds. Most laptops that are stolen are never recovered.
  
  


• Back Up Data on a Regular Basis
  
  
  • Because notebook computer hard drives are smaller, run faster, and are bumped around more than PC computer hard drives - they fail more often. I've found that a large percentage of laptop hard drives last 3-4 years before they "crash", and many new hard drives fail within the first 18 months of life. When a laptop hard disk fails, you usually get little warning. When a hard drive crashes, all the data that is on it is lost. Without a backup, there is no way to recover these lost files.
  
  
  • Viruses, spyware and adware can also cause you to lose data. Sometimes an operating system can get so botched up with "malware" that files are inaccessable. The only way to fix laptop that is "corrupt" with malware is to reformat the hard drive and reload the operating system. Without a backup of your data files, there is no hope of recovering your photos, documents, email addresses, favorites, etc...
  
  
  • The easiest way to backup data on your laptop is to use an online backup service (broadband internet connecton is required), or to use backup software. If you use backup software, an external storage location is needed. This might be a CD, DVD, USB flash drive or external hard drive....


• Protect Your Data and Privacy in the Event of Theft
  
  
  • If your laptop gets stolen, a thief could likely get his hands on passwords, bank account numbers, income tax information, and more. The data that is on your laptop could give a thief enough information to wipe out your bank account, charge up a fortune on your credit cards and steal your identity - all before you file a police report.
  
  
  • Use a personal privacy protection product (like CyberScrub) to lock your personal files in an encrypted folder and to regularly erase all traces of internet history. This will ensure that no one can access your personal and confidential information in the event your laptop gets into the wrong hands.


• Use a "Plain" Laptop Case
  
  
  • When carrying your notebook computer, keep it concealed in a very basic and plain-looking laptop bag. Don't draw attention to yourself and your expensive laptop by toting it around in a flashy expensive case. Use a basic, inexpensive laptop bag when carrying your laptop in public places. Be unobtrusive and go unnoticed by criminals.
  
  


• Take Extra Precautions Against Spyware
  
  
  
  • If you travel with your laptop computer and use it on public networks, take extra care when it comes to spyware. Spyware is the leading cause of internet identity theft and it can infect your notebook without your knowledge.
  
  
  • When it comes to identity theft, the type of spyware that is the most dangerous is the keylogger. Keyloggers record your keystrokes, capturing user id's and passwords. Once recorded, the keylogger transmits this information to criminals who use it for personal gain - all without your knowledge.
  
  
  • Even if you use a good internet security suite, it's wise to use a spyware detection and removal product as a secondary line of defense against spyware. I recommend SpyCop for this, as it utilizes the largest spyware definitions database in the world.
  
  


• Keep Your Operating System and Applications Updated
  
  
  
  • Spyware creators, virus makers and hackers find new ways to exploit operating system and application vulnerabilities every day. They find "holes" in Windows, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Word, etc... and develop ways to infiltrate your laptop through these hidden "doorways". One of the best ways to ensure your notebook computer is as secure as possible is to regularly update Windows and all your applications.
  
  
  • Go to the vendors website and look in the downloads section. Download and install any new version updates, hot fixes, patches, etc...
  
  

There are many things to keep in mind when it comes to computer security, and several "extra" points to consider when it comes to laptop security. Because notebook computers are portable, they are more prone to theft, intrusion and hardware failure. Taking the proper precautions with your laptop PC will help prevent losses and help you recover quicker in the event you lose your data.

For more information on what you can do to protect your notebook, see my website LaptopSecurityBasics.com.

For more information on CyberScrub data and privacy protection.

For more information on SpyCop, spyware detection and removal.