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Laptop security
The portability of a laptop is at the same time its greatest asset and its greatest downfall. Thieves will often target laptops since they are easy to steal. Students with laptops, therefore, need to constantly guard their computers. Laptop theft at Yale is a growing problem, and with a few precautions you can greatly reduce the likelihood of losing your laptop.
We strongly recommend that you take the following precautions:
- Never leave your laptop in a public place. If you take your laptop into libraries or classrooms, do not leave it alone, even just "for a minute" while you go to the restroom or talk with a friend. Thieves look for such opportunities. If you do leave your laptop in a public place, lock it up with a notebook lock (such as those made by Kensington and Belkin).
- Lock up your laptop when you leave it, even in your room. Special notebook locks (such as those made by Kensington and Belkin) allow you to attach your laptop to something immovable, such as your desk or bed. This makes your laptop more difficult to steal, even if a burglar has access to your room.
- Always lock your door, even if you are just heading to the bathroom. Arrange this with your suitemates as well. If you leave your door open, you are providing thieves easy access to steal your belongings.
- Enroll your computer in the STOP Program. This program attaches serialized security plates to laptop computers for a small charge ($25 for three years). With this prominent plate, your computer is less desirable to thieves. You can enroll your computer in the STOP program by visiting the Yale Security Office at Phelps Gate.
- Purchase CompuTrace for your computer. If your computer is stolent, CompuTrace will alert the proper authorities to retrieve your computer. The computer bundles that we have configured for you come with CompuTrace already activated.
Even if you do not have a laptop, it is always a good idea to keep a backup of your important data in case you lose your computer or your hard drive dies. You can make backups using various media, including recordable CDs, external hard drives, and your Pantheon space.
Read the Information security guide to securing laptops and portable devices.
