We were looking into using Biometrics such as a fingerprint scanner for our laptops. Then connecting it through either the power-on password or sign-in so that even if it is stolen.. the only way to reuse it - is reinstall the OS..
So far - it looks promising - but nothing firm or products availalbe that we have found... most still are a layer above the passwords... which is OK but.. still has holes...
But the latest cost cutting measures have been instituted - IE - no more laptops unless you are in sales or some other position that requires traveling ....
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One issue to think of regarding laptop computers; photographic and video equipment; and personal audio is that the case can give away the fact that the contents are valuable.
A good idea is to put this kind of equipment in a nondescript backpackor case; or a cheap-looking overnighter. If you use a case, it may be an asset to use something that looks a bit well-used. This kind of luggage wouldn't advertise the fact that there is valuable stuff inside the case.
This is being favoured by secondary schools in Australia for school-supplied laptops because of the fact that students have been mugged for these machines because they are carried in their obvious cases.
With regards,
Simon Mackay
A good idea is to put this kind of equipment in a nondescript backpackor case; or a cheap-looking overnighter. If you use a case, it may be an asset to use something that looks a bit well-used. This kind of luggage wouldn't advertise the fact that there is valuable stuff inside the case.
This is being favoured by secondary schools in Australia for school-supplied laptops because of the fact that students have been mugged for these machines because they are carried in their obvious cases.
With regards,
Simon Mackay
If you have need to use the Public Restrooms at the airport, or anywhere else for that matter, do not place your laptop case on the floor. Thieves have been known to enter the next stall, grab the laptop and by the time you have pulled up your pantsthey are long gone. It is reccomended to place it across your knees.
My laptop is for personal use, I am very paranoid about it getting stolen. The first thing I did was to get a backpack that holds the laptop and accesories. It looks like a normal backpack, if not bulky but most important, it doesn't give away the fact that I am carrying a laptop.
Allthough Biometrics appears to be the security measure of the future for data and access points it has not yet met a level of maturity to be truelyy useful on the IT budget. Effective Biometrics is still far to costly.
In our evalustions we tried several different brands and found that the BIOS level is not supported as well. We also found the the typical device is really only about 30 - 40% accurate in recognitions. Our discovery showed that not only do you add cost to buying a laptop byabout $300.00 you also will increase helpdesk call dramatically trying to support htese devices. The best ones also have hooks into AD and require strategically placed apppliance servers as a Biometric middleman as well.
All I can suggest at this time is Caustion and Common sense. Pay attention to what is really important. And watch your laptos when you go through the security point. I find that removing the laptop from the bag makes it less tempting. They have to take the time to put it back in the bag if they want it with the accessories. And they don't want an obvious thing to carry like a bagless laptop.
In our evalustions we tried several different brands and found that the BIOS level is not supported as well. We also found the the typical device is really only about 30 - 40% accurate in recognitions. Our discovery showed that not only do you add cost to buying a laptop byabout $300.00 you also will increase helpdesk call dramatically trying to support htese devices. The best ones also have hooks into AD and require strategically placed apppliance servers as a Biometric middleman as well.
All I can suggest at this time is Caustion and Common sense. Pay attention to what is really important. And watch your laptos when you go through the security point. I find that removing the laptop from the bag makes it less tempting. They have to take the time to put it back in the bag if they want it with the accessories. And they don't want an obvious thing to carry like a bagless laptop.
what does everyone out there do to secure their company's laptops? it seems to me that there must be a big potential market for devices/technologies to secure these things, especially when you consider that one laptop can routinely run between two and three thousand dollars in value.
i'd be quite interested in hearing peoples' stories.
i'd be quite interested in hearing peoples' stories.
I wonder if the manufacturer can trace a loptop by its ID if a person ever needs to get a part or an upgrade from them..I would think if you reported it stolen that a flag would appear by its serial number when any service is needed..
Our firm is made up of mostly laptops. We use a program called Computrace that can "call home" if reported stolen. With over a 70% recovery rate, it's a great post-theft tool. It basically binds to the BIOS and based on the system's name it can dial home and provide a tracert of where it is. A higher recover rate is probably higher, it's just an admin issue of insuring that when parts are swapped (mainly the HDD) that the computer name matches the original BIOS name.
I use to work for a college in the resource center and was in charge of checking out laptops along with helping students with computer problems
i checked a laptop out to an instructer later that day it was stolen from a restroom
2 days later a student came in claiming he was given a new laptop and wanted me to help him set it up...
you guest it there was the stolen laptop with the college name engraved on it (scrached out but still visible) the colleges custom boot screen and id on start up (i called security and they showed up with the cops) bad news was when he went to court they let him off
i checked a laptop out to an instructer later that day it was stolen from a restroom
2 days later a student came in claiming he was given a new laptop and wanted me to help him set it up...
you guest it there was the stolen laptop with the college name engraved on it (scrached out but still visible) the colleges custom boot screen and id on start up (i called security and they showed up with the cops) bad news was when he went to court they let him off
When I travel I carry a backpack that has an internal cradle for the laptop. The casual observer would never know I was carrying a laptop in my pack, and there is room for my overnight bag, magazines or books, and a change of clothes (incase my mainluggage gets delayed). It also holds my laptop accessories and a good security cable.
I made sure that the pack I purchased would fit under the seat in front of me fully loaded so I don?t get hassled about the carry-on size. When I am standing on line, it stays on my shoulder instead of being set down, and a shoulder strap serves as a good place to put a leg through if I am sitting down in a lobby for a while. This makes it real hard for someone to snatch and run with it.
While I realizenot every businessperson out there wants to look like a student traveler, a backpack is less enticing to the bad guys than a laptop case. Crooks go for the easy target; don?t be one.
I made sure that the pack I purchased would fit under the seat in front of me fully loaded so I don?t get hassled about the carry-on size. When I am standing on line, it stays on my shoulder instead of being set down, and a shoulder strap serves as a good place to put a leg through if I am sitting down in a lobby for a while. This makes it real hard for someone to snatch and run with it.
While I realizenot every businessperson out there wants to look like a student traveler, a backpack is less enticing to the bad guys than a laptop case. Crooks go for the easy target; don?t be one.
My recent trips from Portland, OR to Spokane, WA on Southwest Airlines have involved removing my laptop from the carry-on case and putting it thru the x-ray machine. I have company asset tags that are bright orange, which help me keep an eye on my laptop. I am still concerned about the possibility of someone stealing it while I pass thru the metal detector.
Last time one of the security personnel recommended that keys and coins be put in the carry-on bag and that I find a pair of shoes that do not have metal arch supports. (no Rockports) Any tips to speed up passing thru the metal detector are helpful.
Last time one of the security personnel recommended that keys and coins be put in the carry-on bag and that I find a pair of shoes that do not have metal arch supports. (no Rockports) Any tips to speed up passing thru the metal detector are helpful.
Well, I haven't traveled since 9-11 so I am sure the security has changed somewhat since then!
I wear a pack around my waist and carry everything in it. When I put my backpack on the x-ray belt I clip the pack to it so when they come out the other side you can't grab one without the other.
I don't carry anything in my pockets, and don't wear a watch (pocket watch in my pack), and only have my wedding ring for jewelry. I've never set off a metal detector, and keep an eye on my packs as I go through.
I have gotten through rather quickly this way. But again, I haven't traveled since the attack.
I wear a pack around my waist and carry everything in it. When I put my backpack on the x-ray belt I clip the pack to it so when they come out the other side you can't grab one without the other.
I don't carry anything in my pockets, and don't wear a watch (pocket watch in my pack), and only have my wedding ring for jewelry. I've never set off a metal detector, and keep an eye on my packs as I go through.
I have gotten through rather quickly this way. But again, I haven't traveled since the attack.
Sounds like you've taken care to make sure you get through security quickly and cleanly but the article points out that theives will get between you and your items and one will delay you as the other makes off with your stuff. If the security checkpoint is busy, you may not notice your pack is gone until it's too late.
I go through the airport almost weekly and have a routine that works well. First, I place my computer, cell phone, pager, wallet, change, gum, etc. in the bucket to be scanned. Keys are placed in my computer bag. If I am wearing a coat it goes into a separate bucket. My pockets are empty except for my ticket and a comb. I generally wear tennis shoes or casual (dressy but not dress) shoes for comfort when traveling (non-weekdays).
I send my computer bag through first, followed by the coat (if necessary), followed by the computer, followed by my carry-on. The computer bag often gets a good long look so I want it to be first. It also is a good visual clue as to when your things are coming. I wait for the last bag to go in before going through the metal detector (sometimes they back bags up). This seems to keep everything secure to this point.
When I go through the metal detector I walk at a normal pace making sure not to bump the metal detector. As long as you have not forgotten anything (cell phones and pagers can be easy to forget) you should breeze through.
In case you do set it off I demand that the person get my computer before they start checking me. They generally try to say no, but politely state that your computer is very valuable and unless they are willing to take personal responsibility for it that you want to have it near you. In the 3 times that this has happened to me since 9/11 there has never been a problem. Just be polite and firm. After 30 seconds or so of saying ?no? the person should go and get your computer and set it near you (but not within your reach).
The rest of your baggage will have to wait, but at least you have the important things.
I send my computer bag through first, followed by the coat (if necessary), followed by the computer, followed by my carry-on. The computer bag often gets a good long look so I want it to be first. It also is a good visual clue as to when your things are coming. I wait for the last bag to go in before going through the metal detector (sometimes they back bags up). This seems to keep everything secure to this point.
When I go through the metal detector I walk at a normal pace making sure not to bump the metal detector. As long as you have not forgotten anything (cell phones and pagers can be easy to forget) you should breeze through.
In case you do set it off I demand that the person get my computer before they start checking me. They generally try to say no, but politely state that your computer is very valuable and unless they are willing to take personal responsibility for it that you want to have it near you. In the 3 times that this has happened to me since 9/11 there has never been a problem. Just be polite and firm. After 30 seconds or so of saying ?no? the person should go and get your computer and set it near you (but not within your reach).
The rest of your baggage will have to wait, but at least you have the important things.
use American Airlines and fly out of Grenada. and then American would not pay for it. their employees took it out of my bag after they noted that it was a lap top.
if you know someone at American tell them they have theives in their luggage security check table.
if you know someone at American tell them they have theives in their luggage security check table.
I call myself a "High-Tech Missionary" (I work for a missionary organization.) NEVER CHECK ANYTHING BUT LAUNDRY when going to the third world. If you have to bring in some heavy or bulky gear, buy it there or pay for an extra seat. If you put your laptop in your checked baggage in the third world, it probably will not be there when you pick up your luggage.
The people in the developing world are not dishonest by nature, but a laptop on the black market in a place like Haiti will allow somebody to feed his family for a year. Think about it - the baggage handlers in Port-Au-Prince make approximately $35.00 US per month. A laptop could probably be sold for $1000.00.
The people in the developing world are not dishonest by nature, but a laptop on the black market in a place like Haiti will allow somebody to feed his family for a year. Think about it - the baggage handlers in Port-Au-Prince make approximately $35.00 US per month. A laptop could probably be sold for $1000.00.
From a recent newspaper article:
US company Caveo Technology has released a new device to protect laptops from theft.
The Caveo Anti-Theft comes in the form of a PC Card (type II PCMCIA) and deters theft by detecting motion and issuing audible warning signals. If an armed computer is moved beyond a distance specified by the owner, the system assumes theft and implements strong security responses, including shutting down the computer, preventing access to the operating system, and sounding anaudible alarm.
Information: www.caveo.com. Price: $US99.
* Another device is the E-Snitch (www.electronicsnitch. com), which is being developed by the Cyber Group Network Corp. It plugs into a notebook's USB or serial port and, once installed, thenotebook won't be able to run without it. Owners have to call a toll-free number if their laptop is stolen, and from there have four options: track the computer and notify the police; track the computer and retrieve data from the hard drive via email; retrieve files by email before destroying the originals on the notebook; and destroy the hard drive and all its contents. Tracking will be via a GPS receiver.
Other anti-theft options include:
* Comodo's SIDEN Anti-Theft System _ consists of a chip installed on the motherboard, and which disables the keyboard when stolen.
* PC PhoneHome ($US29.95, www.pcphonehome.com) _ which transmits the phone number the thief has used to connect the stolen laptop to the Internet. Police can then trace the number.
* Targus DEFCON 3 Security System ($US115) _ which consists of a stainless steel cable containing a motion sensor. If the cable is cut or the notebook is shaken, a 94 decibel alarm is triggered.
US company Caveo Technology has released a new device to protect laptops from theft.
The Caveo Anti-Theft comes in the form of a PC Card (type II PCMCIA) and deters theft by detecting motion and issuing audible warning signals. If an armed computer is moved beyond a distance specified by the owner, the system assumes theft and implements strong security responses, including shutting down the computer, preventing access to the operating system, and sounding anaudible alarm.
Information: www.caveo.com. Price: $US99.
* Another device is the E-Snitch (www.electronicsnitch. com), which is being developed by the Cyber Group Network Corp. It plugs into a notebook's USB or serial port and, once installed, thenotebook won't be able to run without it. Owners have to call a toll-free number if their laptop is stolen, and from there have four options: track the computer and notify the police; track the computer and retrieve data from the hard drive via email; retrieve files by email before destroying the originals on the notebook; and destroy the hard drive and all its contents. Tracking will be via a GPS receiver.
Other anti-theft options include:
* Comodo's SIDEN Anti-Theft System _ consists of a chip installed on the motherboard, and which disables the keyboard when stolen.
* PC PhoneHome ($US29.95, www.pcphonehome.com) _ which transmits the phone number the thief has used to connect the stolen laptop to the Internet. Police can then trace the number.
* Targus DEFCON 3 Security System ($US115) _ which consists of a stainless steel cable containing a motion sensor. If the cable is cut or the notebook is shaken, a 94 decibel alarm is triggered.
When travelling with my car, I always put my laptop at the rear trunk of my car. I can then go away to lunch or anything else with the assurance that people can't see nothing in the car.
The 4-10 hour flight is for sleeping.
So stow the (clearly marked and well insured) laptop INSIDE your suitcase and take a properly configured iPAQ along in your pocket. You still have Word, Excel & Outlook, but no hassle. Even the smartest security guards only ask you to turn it on and let you through if "Today" comes up.
So stow the (clearly marked and well insured) laptop INSIDE your suitcase and take a properly configured iPAQ along in your pocket. You still have Word, Excel & Outlook, but no hassle. Even the smartest security guards only ask you to turn it on and let you through if "Today" comes up.
Are there any reasonably priced electronic tracking systems (like the 'lojack' used in cars)which we could use to track and catch the thieves? If we could get something for less then $200 per machine it would probably be worth it. Obvioulsy we'd like to prevent the theft in the first place but failing that it would be nice to catch them and administer a little on the spot justice.
You should look at my above item, "Lojack for your computer". It's a program called Computrace, you should investigate it and see if it works for you...
I also use an inexpensive, but strong backback to travel with my laptop and all it's dozen attachable gizmos (floppy, expansion port, cd, port converters, gps, etc, etc. Plus, I have a Sony thin laptop, which by itself will fit--zipped up--inside a purchased or symposium givaway letter-sized zipper tablet case--with room for the pad of paper & a pen. Still fits if I use the bigger battery too! The only other stuff I really need at a conference is the power supply & mini-surge protector. In the backpack the tablet case protects the laptop from bumps, while if necessary I can leave the inexpensive tablet case in the open in a rental car's back seat and it's obviously just a cheap tablet--of no interest to a criminal.
If I'm on a plane allowed only 1 carryon, then all this goes in my Briggs&Reilly small carryon, with EVERY compartment mini-padlocked--I open only 1 section at a time to maintain control during a hectic security search procedures.
If I'm on a plane allowed only 1 carryon, then all this goes in my Briggs&Reilly small carryon, with EVERY compartment mini-padlocked--I open only 1 section at a time to maintain control during a hectic security search procedures.
In my job, I regularly have to go travel by airplane all ove rthe world. As with almost everyone these days, I carry my laptop with you. Over time, I have developed some strategies for dealing with airport and similar security scanners.
First, ifyou are with company, split up at the scanner. One person keeps the laptops while the other goes ahead in line about 2 people. When your colleague is through and clear, only then put both your laptops on the belt. He can then safely retrieve them while you go through the metal detector.
Second, if you are on your own, wait until the guy in front has fully cleared the metal detector before you place your laptop on the belt. After all, you are not holding up the line - he is. Once he is clear,you can place your laptop on the belt.
I have often been asked by security guards to 'keep the line moving' but have never had a problem when I explain that I am not holding up the line. After all, the laptop goes through the belt faster than youdo.
It is important to note, in either case, to make sure your laptop, or other valuable luggage, has actually gone into the machine before you pass through yourself. Otherwise, someone outside might pick it off the feed queue and go outside, with you stuck on the wrong side of the security gate.
To make sure you pass through quickly, prepare yourself and have all coins and other metal objects ready to hand over.
Hope this helps
regards
Michael
First, ifyou are with company, split up at the scanner. One person keeps the laptops while the other goes ahead in line about 2 people. When your colleague is through and clear, only then put both your laptops on the belt. He can then safely retrieve them while you go through the metal detector.
Second, if you are on your own, wait until the guy in front has fully cleared the metal detector before you place your laptop on the belt. After all, you are not holding up the line - he is. Once he is clear,you can place your laptop on the belt.
I have often been asked by security guards to 'keep the line moving' but have never had a problem when I explain that I am not holding up the line. After all, the laptop goes through the belt faster than youdo.
It is important to note, in either case, to make sure your laptop, or other valuable luggage, has actually gone into the machine before you pass through yourself. Otherwise, someone outside might pick it off the feed queue and go outside, with you stuck on the wrong side of the security gate.
To make sure you pass through quickly, prepare yourself and have all coins and other metal objects ready to hand over.
Hope this helps
regards
Michael
In the event your laptop gets lost/stolen, the activation and use of Power on Passwords (POP) can prevent the ready use of the laptop. If the user doesn't know the POP the user can contact the manufacturer who will tell them how to clear the existing password - if they can provide proof of ownership such as name of purchasing company/person (one good reason for not attaching a business card to the laptop or carrying case), date of purchase, etc.
I have occasion to work out of hotel rooms for extended periods of time and like to secure my laptop using a cable lock. Many hotels do not have furniture that will securely accommodate a cable, so I carry a spare padlock hasp (the sort of thing used to lock gates, garden sheds, etc. - available at any WalMart, home improvement or hardware store) and some 5 minute epoxy to glue the hasp to the bottom of the desk in an inconspicuous location. For about $2, I get peace of mind and reasonably convenient security.
I'am a liesenced taxi driver in london,I picked the gentelman from his hotel and ask me for the paddington express to go to the airport, I helped him to get his luggage out of the cab and put them next to the cab(1feet away)then he ask me for a reciept, turned round to take it from me and get his change and his laptop has dissapear withen few second ,is there any save place any where?
Another good point, is if you are taking your laptop home for the evening, don't leave in your car on the driveway. A colleague did just that and his car was stolen over night and the laptop was never seen again.
The article about laptop security was interesting, but; laptops are now required to be removed from their cases (in USA) before x-ray. The best bet is to wait until the end-user passes through the x-ray before placing the machine on the conveyor.If you let the airport security personnel know that you have a laptop, they will make sure it doesn't leave your (or their) sight.
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