Losing a laptop can be more than just downtime from work; it’s a financial blow and a threat to personal data. Discover essential guidance on preventing laptop loss or theft, securing your data, and minimizing damage.
Losing a laptop can mean far more than just downtime from work. It can be a financial blow, and even worse, if your personal data falls into the wrong hands. Here’s what you need to do to secure your data and minimize the damage.
Laptop loss is a common issue affecting individuals and businesses worldwide.
According to a study, the average cost of lost or stolen laptops in the US is around $3,000 per device.
This includes not only the hardware costs but also data recovery and replacement expenses.
The main reasons for laptop loss include 'theft', accidental damage, and equipment failure.
To mitigate these losses, individuals and organizations can implement security measures such as encryption, password protection, and regular backups.
If you’ve lost your laptop, try to locate it first. Use services like Microsoft‘s Find My Device or Apple‘s Find My iPhone to lock your device remotely and mark it as lost. Remove your laptop from trusted devices and apps, including your email account, to prevent thieves from accessing them. Change your passwords for key accounts, starting with your email, to prevent unauthorized access.
To prevent laptop theft, use a UBS lock to secure the device.
Enable password protection and set up a screen saver with a strong password.
Consider investing in a tracking device like LoJack for Laptops or Prey.
Keep your laptop software up-to-date, including antivirus programs.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and be cautious when using public charging stations.
Regularly back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Report the theft to the police by providing a detailed description of your laptop, including its make, model, color, and serial number. Contact your insurance provider if you have cover, as some home contents policies may apply. Inform your bank about any credit cards stored on your laptop, and reach out to the manufacturer to report the theft.
The manufacturer can blacklist your laptop‘s serial number, which may prevent it from being activated and used by someone else.
When you get a replacement laptop, take these steps to help prevent future losses:
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Set a strong password or long PIN that cannot be easily guessed.
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Enable face or fingerprint scanners for added security.
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Set up device encryption in your privacy and security settings.
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Configure two-step verification for your Microsoft or Apple account, as well as any other accounts you use.
- Turn on ‘Find My’ in Windows 10 or 11’s security settings or iCloud settings on a Mac to locate a lost laptop remotely.
Regularly back up your data to prevent losses. On a Windows laptop, use Windows Backup to store files and settings on Microsoft‘s OneDrive cloud service (5GB free). On a Mac, use Time Machine to back up the laptop to an external drive or sync apps and files with iCloud (you can store 5GB for free).
Data backup refers to the process of creating a copy of digital data to prevent loss in case of hardware failure, software corruption, or other disasters.
Regular backups ensure business continuity and minimize downtime.
According to a study, 60% of companies that experience data loss go out of business within six months.
It's essential to choose a reliable backup method, such as cloud storage or external hard drives, and schedule regular backups to protect valuable digital assets.
Alternatively, copy files to an external drive but be sure to encrypt it first before backing up sensitive documents.
Host important documents in the cloud using services like Microsoft, Apple, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Proton Drive.
Take note of your laptop‘s color, model number, and serial number, and store your proof of purchase somewhere safe.
Consider putting your laptop on home contents insurance, which may require it to be added to a high-risk or high-value items list. Alternatively, explore dedicated laptop or gadget insurance with multiple cover levels.
Make sure to regularly update your operating system and security software to prevent vulnerabilities.
Use strong passwords and keep them confidential.
Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks and avoid connecting your laptop without a VPN.
Consider using a password manager to securely store your login credentials.
