Are you at risk for laptop theft? Protect your personal information by securing your laptop.

The Problem: You’re sitting at a table in your local coffee shop with a latte and your laptop. You leave your table momentarily, and when you come back your laptop is gone.

According to the FBI, laptop theft occurs more frequently than you might think. It’s the second most common computer crime—and unfortunately fewer than 2 percent of stolen laptops are recovered.

Laptops are in demand by criminals because of the wealth of personal information they hold. Once a laptop is stolen, an identity thief has access to private data such as your full name, address, age, social security number, credit card number, financial information, bank account details and more.

The Solution: Take steps to properly secure your laptop so you don’t become a victim of identity theft.

Action Step I: Physically lock your laptop. If you regularly use your laptop at a coffee shop, restaurant or other Wi-Fi hotspot, it may be a good idea to invest in a cable lock. This lessons the risk of your laptop walking away when you do to use the bathroom or order food.

Action Step II: Track your laptop. If it’s vital your laptop be returned to you once stolen, install tracking software so you know where it ends up.

Action Step III: Password-protect your user profile. This won’t keep a thief from stealing your laptop, but it can help shield your private information from someone with a lack of tech knowledge.

Also…

• Utilize Internet security features. This may consist of Firewalls, anti-virus and Identity protection elements.
• Back up your information. You should frequently back up the data on your laptop so it’s not indefinitely lost if it’s stolen.
• Use encryption software so your sensitive information can’t be accessed by criminals.

Last Minute Tips – Ask reputable sources what best ways are to protect your laptop. Investing the time and money into security locks and software is a small price to pay for identity protection.

The Takeaway: Protect your laptop just as you would any valuable possession. Don’t leave it behind when you walk away–or lock it up if you do. Use other forms of protection to guard the information inside your laptop.

Tags: Identity Theft //