Five Most Stolen Gadgets
Laptops
Now that laptops are smaller and more popular with both home and business users, they're increasingly in danger of being stolen. Even worse, they're rarely recovered – Safeware, an insurance company specializing in computers, estimates 5% of laptops will be stolen within 12 months of purchase and only 3% of those will be returned.
How to prevent theft (or minimize the consequences of theft):
- Record your serial numbers. Many people don't and it's crucial in retrieving stolen goods.
- Buy a lock. They're so cheap and available that it's inexcusable not to own one. They're also conspicuous deterrents for thieves.
- Use complex passwords for everything, so that thieves at least can't get into your personal information or bank accounts.
- Attach a business card to your laptop to aid recovery, you know, in case the thief leaves the laptop in some ditch.
- Get it insured from a company like Safeware or your home insurance provider.
- Encrypt and back up your data. Machines are replaceable but your files may not be and can make the theft that much worse.
- Again, install tracking software or access blocking software. Remote Laptop Security lets you block access to specific files from anywhere, which comes in handy for sensitive information. Companies like LoJack and GadgetTrak can even locate your computer based on its internet use.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ken Westin @ Jan 31st 2008 11:51PM
You can learn more about GadgetTrak and their anti-theft products for mobile devices here:
http://www.gadgettrak.com
Mike @ Feb 1st 2008 9:25AM
One of the ways to make your items identifiable would be to engrave it with a number that is unique to you. A state ID number is what is recommended by crime prevention officers. Never use your SSN for obvious reasons. Take pictures of your expensive belongings with the engraving. If your item gets stolen it is easier to locate and identify it back to you if it is located at a pawn shop or on the thief himself when he does eventually gets caught.
Larry Higgs @ Feb 1st 2008 2:56PM
Dell is now selling Lo-Jack with it's new laptops
Larry Higgs @ Feb 1st 2008 2:58PM
Dell will sell you a Lo_jack subscription with new laptops now
AMY @ Feb 2nd 2008 10:16AM
what kind of lock do you get for a lap top????????????
Sher @ Feb 4th 2008 10:45AM
Yeah, what Amy said............what sort of lock is everyone talking about.........a sight for purchase os said lock would be very helpful.
LeroyBrownshammer @ Feb 14th 2008 7:09PM
Beware of Dell's Lojack offering. I bought a DELL XPS with Lojack. Didn't receive lojack with my order, waited two weeks - still nothing. called dell, they didn't know anything and said to wait.. waited another two weeks, called dell back and they still didn't know anything. so i callled the lojack company and they didn't know anything either but said they would mail me a copy. 8 weeks still nothing.... very poor experience.
Lori @ Mar 24th 2008 11:21AM
Computer stores like Best Buy etc. carry laptop computer locks. It's a cable with a connector on the end that inserts into a hole on your laptop designed specifically for it. Check your laptop. You'll see the hole on one of the sides somewhere. Insert the device, turn the key, it spins inside the hole on your laptop, and locks in place. You secure the other end of the cable around something solid, like the leg of your desk. I have a cable that has a motion sensing alarm. If someone moves it at all, everyone hears the alarm sound off. A combination lock turns it on and off.