As an administrator, and ultimately the person responsible for the information and laptop security within your organization, “Stolen Laptop” is the last two words you want to hear. Unfortunately, statically this is going to happen and if you have not put into place a laptop security policy you will wish that you had.
Laptop Security Cables are the number one purchased laptop security devices. People often do not have a clear understanding of what level of security, laptop cables provide. A laptop security cable will not work if it is not used. A laptop security policy that requires that they be used is necessary to achieve the protection the home office is looking to achieve. The small plastic security slot where they attach offers minimal protection and additionally the cables really aren’t that difficult to cut. So, why are they the number one solution? They provide a visual theft deterrent. We have found that visual laptop computer security solutions are very effective and when it comes down to it economically they are most effective.
Products like the STOP (Stop Theft of Office Property, Inc www.StopTheft.com) security plates provide an effective visual deterrent solution as well and are the second most commonly used laptop security theft deterrent. The STOP Plate is probably the least expensive solution and takes us one step toward laptop recovery as well. If your laptop has a STOP Security Plate, placed visibly on the top of the laptop, you gain big strides in the possibility of getting your laptop computer and the information on your laptop back. If you put both or either of these two products into your laptop security policy you will have followed in the steps of some of the largest corporations and government agencies in this country.
With laptop theft deterrent solutions in place we want to look at recovery and data protection commonly provided by using some form of laptop security software. Products like Stealth Signals (www.Xtool.com) X-Tool services and Advanced Systems International (www.Advansysperu.com) USB Lock AP or RP offer a comfort zone that many laptop security administrators aim to achieve. Stealth Signal offers the ability to track and recover a stolen laptop, asset management, encrypted virtual hard drive, remote information back-up and remote delete features, a major portion of the computer security control a Computer or Network Administrator is looking to achieve. Another important control needed is to control the use of the USB ports. Computer security professionals know the damage potential a small USB memory device presents. These memory sticks, iPods or MP3 devices can hold unbelievable large amounts of information. How easy is it to connect one of these to your network allowing the ability to remove valuable proprietary information. Advanced Systems International’s USB Lock RP provides simple server remote control over the computers within your care. If you’re looking for individual control for the laptops in the field there is the USB Lock AP that offers the added benefit of a simple to use file lock.
Ultimately when it comes to laptop security there really aren’t that many effective solutions. Putting a security policy together that addresses deterring the laptop theft helps to protect your property and your information. By utilizing a few additional laptop security software tools you help insure greater protection of your company’s data.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Thomas Goll is a recognized authority on the subject of laptop security. His website, http://www.LaptopSecuritySolutions.com provides a valuable resource on everything you’ll need.