When Irwin Jacobs, chief executive and founder of Qualcomm Inc. had his
laptop stolen from a journalism conference in September 2000, it shed
light on a growing problem.
Other recent events have focused national attention on the laptop security issue, consider the following:
o
In July 2001 the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that 184
laptops had been stolen or lost. At least one and possibly as many as
four contained classified information.
o In April 2001 the
British Defense Ministry reported 205 laptops missing since 1997, most
of which contained classified materials.
o In February 2000 a
laptop computer with "highly classified" information disappeared from
the U.S. State Department. Then, in May 2000 two more laptops were
reported missing from the U.S. State Department.
While technology
has made laptops smaller, easier to store and transport, it has also
made them easier to conceal and steal. It's the convenience that has
made the laptop computer so popular and the information vehicle of
choice for business people throughout the world.
.The computer
itself is a valuable asset and one that should be protected, but it can
be replaced, however, the information stored on it in many cases is not
replaceable and of greater value to competitors if compromised. A thief
can get a few thousand dollars for a top of the line laptop, but he can
get a whole lot more for a company's marketing plans.
High Risk Locations
A
high percentage of laptops are stolen from the office. FBI officials
estimate as much as 75 percent of laptop thefts are committed by
insiders, individuals who are expected to be on the premises. For
example, employees, delivery people and janitors all have access to the
grounds and buildings and have opportunities to steal unprotected
laptops.
In one case, Canadian authorities apprehended a man
believed to have stolen 20 to 30 laptops from an office building over a
span of a few weeks. The suspect would enter the building dressed as a
maintenance employee, load computers onto a dolly and exit the building.
He performed this routine so often, that building employees believed he
was actually a member of the maintenance staff.
According to a
USA Today article, heightened airport security as a result of the
September 11 terrorist attack has caused an increase in the number of
lost laptops at airport checkpoints. . The problems stem from new
procedures that require passengers to remove their laptops from their
cases and put them through x-ray machines. They either forget to pick
them up or grab a stranger's laptop by accident. It becomes more
problematic for travelers who are singled out for magnetic wand searches
and may be separated from their valuables on the conveyor belt for
extended periods of time.
Business travelers should also pay close attention to their laptops when at the following locations:
*Hotels
*Train Stations
*Bus terminals
*Car rental agencies
*Conference Centers
*Restaurants
*Restrooms
*Payphones
Always remember, laptop theft can happen anyplace, at any time.
Laptop Theft Prevention Tips
Employees
o
Disguise your laptop. By carrying your laptop in a case designed for
computers, you alert the thieves you have a laptop. Carry your laptop in
an ordinary piece of luggage, satchel or other inconspicuous bag.
o
Record the laptop serial number, make and model information. Keep this
information in your purse or wallet so if your computer is stolen, the
information will be readily available when you file a police report.
o Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place.
o Use computer-locking cables to secure the computer to a desk or table
o Never place a computer in checked luggage.
o If a laptop must be left in the car, store it in the trunk of the vehicle prior to arriving at the final destination.
o
Identify your carrying case in some unusual way to make it stand out
from all other bags. An unusual color, colored tape or yarn or
exceptionally large or brightly colored tags attached to the bag will
help you immediately locate the bag and give police probable cause to
stop and question the carrier.
o Also consider taping colored
paper or placing a large tag on the front of you laptop to avoid
accidental mix-ups at the x-ray machine.
o Regularly back up information and store it separately in case your computer is stolen.
Employers
o
All laptops should be permanently marked or engraved with inventory or
serial numbers so they can aid in recovery if found by the police. Check
with the manufacturer regarding appropriate marking locations and
warranty criteria prior to marking.
o Conduct scheduled inventories of laptops periodically.
o
Proper documentation should be maintained for all laptops. Records
could include the type of equipment identifiers such as make, model and
inventory or serial numbers, an equipment assignment date, and the
employee responsible for the laptop.
o Some companies utilize
electronic asset tracking technology. Employers can tag laptops with a
small electronic transponder. If an employee attempts to leave the
building with the computer, the system records the time, date and exit
used. Some systems can also give security the ID of the employee taking
the equipment.
o Access to the area where laptops are stored when not assigned should be limited to a select few individuals.
o The limited access storage area should be situated away from high traffic areas.
o
Access should be controlled to areas such as offices where employees
utilize laptops. This can also be accomplished through the use of ID
card systems.
o Some companies have established policies making
employees responsible for the loss of a laptop if they do not follow
company policy for safeguarding it. Communicate the policy in writing
and get a signed statement of acknowledgement.
o Employers have
also been known to require employees to purchase their laptops,
reasoning that employees will better care for them.
o Provide
employees with loss prevention and security awareness training. E-mails,
brown bag luncheons, new hire orientations security awareness
literature/posters and video presentations are all excellent vehicles
for getting the word out.
o Provide employees with adequate
secure storage areas for their laptops such as locked security closets,
cabinets and lockdown devices at desks and workstations.
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