Security Awareness: Preventing Laptop Theft Title

Recently, a Yale faculty member’s laptop computer was stolen during a business trip.  The loss of a laptop can be a staggering obstacle since so many people rely on their personal computers just to get through daily life. Laptop owners should be aware of the risks and take measures to protect their digital possessions.

In most cases, laptop theft is covered by the University’s insurance program. Although the insurance payment employees receive from Risk Management (less the $1000 deductible) will help, it’s not the best answer.  To prevent laptop theft, the following tips are strongly recommended at work and especially during travel:

• Acquire and use both active and passive anti-theft devices such as cable locks and tracking software.
• Keep records of your computer’s make, model and serial #.
• Always BACK UP the important files you can’t afford to lose.
• Don’t leave your laptop unattended in a hotel room or in plain sight in a parked car.
• Keep your laptop secured to an immovable object if you are going to leave it for a period of time.
• Do not check your laptop as baggage or store it in the overhead bin when you travel.  Keep it in your possession.
• Be very alert in airports and hotel lobbies and while using a pay phone or cell phone.   
• Keep laptop with you when traveling in a bus or taxi or van.
• Be very alert when going through security check points and luggage check points at airports and train stations.
• Put the numbers for these Yale Security programs into your cell phone:
• Yale University Police: 2-4400
• Escort Service: 2-WALK (2-9255)
• Yale Minibus: 2-6330
  
  For further information about security awareness at Yale, go to
  www.yale.edu/securityawareness.