Electronic devices are essential to our daily personal and work lives. If you often bring your laptop with you in the car or public places, it can be a valuable target for thieves. Learn more about our tips for laptop theft prevention to protect your laptop from theft.
Laptop theft protection tips
Secure your data
For laptop theft prevention, set up your laptop to require a password to log in. That can prevent thieves from accessing your data if it gets stolen. When creating a password, make it one you’ll easily remember but one a thief will not be able to guess. An ideal password contains a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Add another layer of security to your data by encrypting your hard drive. If you’re not tech-savvy, bring your laptop to a tech expert for help.
Finally, back up the system regularly to prevent losing all your laptop’s data. Cloud services can save your data automatically. You can also purchase an external hard drive to protect your data but be sure to set a reminder to do it. You can set your device up to save the data daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on how often you use your laptop.
Don’t leave your laptop in your car
>Whenever possible, don’t leave your laptop unattended in your car. That can make it an easy target for thieves. If that isn’t an option, hide the computer out of eyesight. Stash it in the trunk or under a seat where it isn’t visible to anyone passing by. Above all, lock your car as the first line of defense.
Set up laptop tracking hardware
Wireless technologies can make a “chirp” sound on your phone if your laptop gets moved and you aren’t nearby. You can also find perimeter systems. With laptop tracking hardware, if your laptop gets moved beyond a certain area, it will automatically be disabled and emit a warning sound.
Don’t leave your laptop unattended in public
When you carry your laptop in public, use a nondescript bag or briefcase not designed specifically for a laptop. That way, you won’t draw attention to thieves looking to snatch a laptop and run. While the carrying bag may be discreet, the laptop should look unique, so authorities can identify it if it gets stolen. Add permanent markings or stickers that are challenging to remove. You should also keep the laptop’s serial number in a secure spot, as this can help authorities identify it.
It may seem obvious, but the best laptop anti-theft advice is always to keep it in your sight or with someone you trust. When that isn’t possible, there are still ways you can protect it. Invest in a laptop lock that can fasten to a table leg, so no one can move the laptop.
For peace of mind, learn how laptop insurance coverage through Progressive from Worth Ave. Group can replace your laptop if it gets stolen. It’s one more way to keep your laptop and its information protected. Learn more about what to do if your laptop is stolen.
