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Computer Theft If you're going to spend your hard-earned cash on a computer, cell phone, or any technology equipment, it's worth your while to take some precautions to ensure the safety of the physical hardware and software (saved files and programs). To protect the software, see the sections on computer viruses, network security, and backups. To safeguard your physical equipment, read on. Laptops and other small devices . The biggest drawback to a laptop, cell phone, PDA (personal digital assistant) or any small technology device is that if it's easy for you to carry around, it's just as easy for someone else to carry off. In public, if you drop your guard for even a few seconds, or are distracted by thieves working a scam, you could lose your expensive equipment. Here's a sobering fact found on the web: FBI statistics report that “one out of every 10 notebook computers will be stolen within the first 12 months of purchase, and 90% of them will never be recovered.” So if you do own a laptop and are using it on campus, the number one rule is to not let it out of your sight for even a moment in public. That advice goes just as well for other small devices. Home Equipment. In your dorm room or at home, take the common sense precaution of locking doors and windows. Also install a cable or security device on your laptop or desktop computer at home. Most computers have a security cable slot for attaching a cable, but whatever device you purchase, be sure it works on your model. Keep a record of the make, model, serial number and hardware network / MAC address of each piece of equipment—laptop, desktop computer, printer, scanner, and other peripherals—in a separate place for your own records and so you can report them to police and your insurance company if they are stolen. That advice applies to other small devices such as cell phones and PDAs as well. To get help in determining your computer's MAC (Media Access Control) address, which is a unique identifier for any device on a network, contact OIT's Help Desk. Also make sure to encrypt any sensitive personal information or data you've stored so the thief cannot access it. More Information. To get current information on security devices and cables, do a websearch on “laptop computer theft security” and/or visit a store that carries computer equipment. |
Quick Tips In public, guard your laptop and any small, expensive devices like cell phones and PDAs Install a cable or security device on your computer at home or office |
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