Protecting Your Notebook Computers
One of the problems of notebook computers is that they frequently get stolen and are seldom recovered. Every day, some 2,000 computers are stolen or lost. The number is growing at the rate of 25 percent per year. Given the value of these computers and the information they are likely to contain, this has significant adverse consequences to the original owner, and potentially significant profits to the thief.
There are essentially three ways I know of to protect notebooks. Please let me know if you can add to my knowledge here. I am not an expert.
- Physical locks of various sorts
- Tag it to show it is registered
- Stealthily phone home
Physical Locks:
Physical locks have a few problems. Most are very easy to pick. You can purchase a report by Tobias on this problem: http:⁄⁄www.security.org⁄ . The essence is that most of them do not pose a significant deterrent. Next, most laptops are stolen while mobile, so the locks do not help. But, if you frequently use your notebook at a desk in an open place, find a good physical lock. The above article should help you select a good one.
Tag Method: Boomerangit
Boomerangit - at: http:⁄⁄www.boomerangit.com⁄ is an Internet-powered global registration system that works with law enforcement to help return lost and stolen property to its rightful owners. You can purchase a 6 pack of labels for $15. These labels are difficult to remove and guarantee that the owner will pay shipping and handling for return. Boomerangit will give the returner labels as a reward and encourages owners to offer small rewards. The owner pays a $10 fee to Boomerangit when an item is returned.
These labels can be attached to cell phones, notebooks or anything else you might lose. I see this method as largely aimed at returning lost items, not stolen ones. But, a thief would have to remove the label.
Tag Method: Stop (security tracking office products)
This is the Cadillac of labeling systems. A single label is $25.50 plus 5.95 shipping. This system is really aimed at theft rather than simply misplacing an item. They claim a 90% return rate.
Their security plate is photo-anodized aluminum. It is affixed to your equipment with cyanoacrylate adhesive so strong that removal of the security plate requires up to 800 pounds of pressure and a special tool. Removal of the plate will noticeably, physically alter the case.
During the installation of each security plate, a permanent tattoo is chemically etched into your equipment, beneath the plate. If someone succeeds in removing the plate, the indelible marking is exposed. This marking says the item was stolen and gives an 800 number to call!
This system will clearly reduce the resale value of the notebook, thus possibly preventing the theft before it takes place. Otherwise the thief would have to sand paper the case deep enough to remove the etched notification.
Phone Home Approach
PC Phone Home
This is very cool. You purchase your software and it sends an email to any address you choose whenever the computer connects to the Internet. This email contains Internet address information which will help police find and recover the computer. If your computer is stolen, then you forward the email to PCPhoneHome and they alert the police to the location of the notebook.