Here are 10 tips to prevent your laptop from theft as well as an explanation of laptop security devices that ensure your laptop and data are protected. The main attraction of laptops is their portability and mobility. It is great to be able to take your computer with you and use it anywhere. But with these benefits comes a risk of theft. Obviously theft is more likely to happen when an object can be picked up and carried away. Laptop security devices are important to prevent your laptop from being stolen as well as to prevent the data from your laptop being retrieved and used in the event that your laptop is a victim of theft.

1. NEVER leave your laptop or any valuables in plain sight in your car. Recently there has been an increase in car burglaries stemming from valuables being left in plain sight. Lock them in the trunk.

2. Don't use computer bags, while these maybe fashionable and comfortable they make it obvious that you are carrying a laptop. Try using a padded briefcase or suitcase instead.

3. Make sure your laptop is always with you. Do not check laptops in with your luggage while traveling. Never leave your laptop in your car in plain sight or any valuable objects for that matter. There has been a recent increase of car burglaries stemming from people leaving valuables in plain sight. Lock all valuables in the trunk.

4. Another great laptop security measure is to never leave access numbers or passwords in your carrying case. Keeping your password with your laptop is like keeping the keys in the car. Without your password or important access numbers it will be more difficult for a thief to access your personal and corporate information.

5. Keep your eye on your laptop. When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag while it's going through the scan or hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.

6. Avoid setting your laptop on the floor or the seat next to you. If you must set ti down make sure you are always aware of it by setting down against your leg or arm. Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it.

7. Use a screen guard when in public. This prevents people from looking over your shoulder and seeing sensitive information. This is especially helpful when you're traveling or need to work in a crowded area.

8. Do not leave your laptop unsecured in your hotel room. Things sometimes tend to get lost in hotel rooms and are never secure. If you must leave your laptop in the room then use a security cable to attach it to a stable object, such as the desk or bedpost. Another good thing to do is leave the "do not disturb" sign on the door.

9. Labeling everything possible related to your laptop is an effective security measure. Label everything with the name of the individual that owns it, and ensure that these labels are conspicuous. The potential theft value of laptops is reduced greatly when additional work is required to remove the identifying marks. Conspicuous identity labels also significantly increase the risk of a potential thief being caught in the act of theft.

10. Buy a laptop security device. The next section details some options for laptop security devices.

Laptop Cable:

One of the most inexpensive and effective laptop security devices is a laptop cable. Very much like a bicycle lock, this cable attaches to your laptop and allows you to lock it to a stationary object. The cable makes it much more difficult for someone to steal your laptop.

Laptop Tracing Programs:

These programs will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work when the laptop connects to the Internet, and can report the laptop's exact physical location.

Motion Sensors and Alarms:

Unexpected loud noises make people wake up and take notice, something that aspiring thieves find very discouraging. Laptop security devices exist which use alarms as a form of protection.

While the signal mechanism of an alarm system is usually the same, the triggers are different. The idea is that if the user moves out of range of the device, or the laptop is moved out of range of the user, the alarm will sound. Thus, if someone tries to steal or remove the laptop, the alarm will sound, drawing attention to the theft. Another option is to is to buy an alarm that relies on nothing more than movement of the object that it is attached to. If the object that the sensor is attached to is moved, an alarm will sound. Entering the 3-digit security code will reset or disable the alarm once the device has been recovered.

Security measures available in order to prevent access to data on your laptop in the event that it is taken.

Set a Login Password:

Set a login name/password that way in order to successfully login in to a laptop the user must provide that information. If the login entered is incorrect, the operating system will refuse to allow entry.

Set a BIOS password: Most laptops offer protection by allowing the owner to set a boot password. Typically most will prompt the user three times to enter a password, then refuse to boot if there are three failures.

Encryption:

One of the best laptop security devices are file encryption programs, which, encrypt files on your laptop. A private unlock key is provided to the owner, and as long as your private key is kept safe, no one but you and your intended recipients will be able to view your data.

Biometric Fingerprint Readers: Another great laptop security device is the Biometric Reader. This type of laptop security device would provide authentication at the hardware level which would require authentication before the machine would even boot up. The idea behind biometrics is to use the uniqueness of certain features of a user, such as retinal pattern, fingerprints, and even typing characteristics, to accurately identify and authorize persons.