Preventing Laptop Theft in Your Home

At least five recent instances of burglary in the North Druid Hills-Briarcliff area involved the . Since laptops are often integral to a person’s life and tend to contain sensitive personal information like financial records, is there anything that can be done to prevent laptop theft in the home?

Perhaps, although the methods can be difficult and involve a lack of the portability that makes laptops so appealing, according to Robert Richardson of the Computer Security Institute.

“I don’t think there’s much one can do, at least not that most people are willing to do,” he said. He suggests a locking cable to leash laptops to flat surfaces or even using a safe. “But since the point of having a notebook is being able to move around with it at will, most people aren’t going to be willing to take these steps.”

However, for those who do wish to take those steps, there are many different options.

Locking cables are available in a variety of styles and prices, but generally range from about $20 to about $50. Some use a four-number combination, like on a briefcase, to allow access. Others utilize a small key.

The Kensington ComboSaver 64560 uses a four-digit combination and comes in silver. It is available for $18.95 from Office Depot, online only.

Targus offers a Defcon CL cable lock with a four-digit combination. Best Buy has it on sale for $19.99, regular price $24.99. Best Buy also offers a more expensive Kensington ClickSafe lock that uses a key ($44.99, online only). Office Depot offers the same lock for $39.99, online only.

The HP PC Security Lock Kit, available for $25.95 from Office Depot (online only), is for desktop computers, which are also at risk of theft even though it is more difficult to take them.

Target sells, online only, two safes made specifically for laptop use. The FirstAlert Digital Anti-Theft Laptop Safe is $126.99 and can store laptops up to 15 inches in size. Users can select their own three- to eight-digit combinations. The Gary Laptop Computer Safe is $219.99 and can also fit laptops up to 15 inches. Best Buy offers a wide variety of safes at a range of prices, both online and in store, including safes that have fingerprint scanners.

“I think the main thing is to make sure you’re prepared for the consequences of losing the laptop if it is stolen,” Richardson said. He suggests users focus on data encryption and backups.

Microsoft offers step-by-step instructions for encrypting data. Encryption is, in Microsoft’s words, the strongest protection Windows provides to keep information secure. Versions are available for Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP.

For Mac OS X users, there are two encryption options: Keychain Access includes a secure notes area to type social security numbers or other information. But to protect files, use Disk Utility, which creates a special secure disk image that can be stored or moved anywhere and accessed with a password. MacWorld has directions for both of these choices.

Backup services that work automatically and keep files on a secure server, like Carbonite and Mozy, are available at a cost. Carbonite is $59 a year per computer and does offer a special price for small businesses. Mozy offers backups for $5.99 a month for individuals and they also offer business pricing. Both services offer free trials and apps for smartphones.

Computrace LoJack is also an option. It is a software-based service that tracks, locates and helps local law enforcement recover stolen laptops. Best Buy has it for $19.99 and users can download it directly off the store website.