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Laptop
Theft: Costs & Prevention
August
2004
 A
2003 Computer Security Institute (CSI) / FBI Computer
Crime and Security survey found that companies had $7
million in losses from laptop theft in 2003. Seventy-five
percent (75%) indicated that they experienced financial
losses.
Safeware,
a computer insurance expert, estimates that in 2002,
U.S. PC owners filed 620,000 claims for computer thefts—most
of them for stolen laptops. And those numbers only promise
to increase. International Data Corp. (IDC) predicts
that, by 2008, 50 percent of the PCs in the United States
will be laptops (up from 29 percent in 2004), which
means there'll be plenty of targets out there. Many
PC owners seem oblivious to the risks surrounding their
equipment; a good number of thefts occur because people
carelessly leave their computers in places where they
are likely to be stolen.
Tips
To Keep Your Laptop Safe
- Always
be aware of your surroundings and the people in them.
- Utilize
a laptop security cable. Numerous reports of laptop
theft occur when the owner leaves his or her office
or cubicle for just a moment to go down the hall or
to get a drink of water. Another time to be cautious
is during meetings, laptops are used, a quick break
is called and when everyone returns, some of the laptops
are missing.
- Treat
your laptop just like you would treat cash. Don't
leave it where others can see it and steal it.
- Do
not leave your laptop in public view in your vehicle.
Locked car doors do not deter most thieves.
- Purchase
insurance coverage for your laptop. If it is company
property, be certain under what conditions a theft
is covered. If the laptop is your property, check
with your insurance agent and determine if it is covered
under your homeowners or renters insurance. Also what
theft situations are covered, such as on business
or pleasure travel. If coverage is not provided, obtain
additional coverage as a rider to your policy.
- Be
certain to back up all important data daily. Remember
the hardest thing to replace when a laptop is stolen
is the lost data. Protect the data and access of the
computer with strong password and or a hardware key
device. Hardware key products include fingerprint
identification devices or other access control devices
that plug into the USB port.
- Put
a label or tape your business card to the top of your
laptop. Too many business travelers are using the
same brand and model of laptops leading to confusion
and in some cases the picking up of someone else’s
laptop when going through security. The business card
or label provides identification quickly when retrieving
your laptop or trying to prove ownership in a mix
up or attempted theft.
- Record
your serial number. If your laptop is stolen, the
police can enter it in the national stolen property
computer and identify it if it is recovered.
Learn
More About Olson, Inc.
Information,
free rate quotes and other information is available
by completing the Online
Information Request Form. If you require
immediate assistance, please contact Olson directly
at 410-923-7100.
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