Tips and Tricks to Keep your Laptop Secure and Safe

Introduction

The sure to way to make your laptop secure is to neveruse them, never bring them with you, never open them nor install software onyour laptop. Just locked them down in a fireproof safe place and they will be protectedand out of harm's way forever. However, laptops were made for us to use, tohelp us more productive in our work and make our lives easy.

Keeping your laptop secure and protected is of course isstill possible with some efforts on your part and with the use of existing securitytools and software, learn and do good practices and most of the time usingcommon sense.

From basics to the extreme, these are the tips and trickthat will keep your laptop secure and safe.

InstallAntivirus. Keep it up to date, regularly scan your computer and letit check your email. Without it, your laptop will surely get infected.

InstallAnti-Spyware. Some Antivirus have bundled anti-spyware.Use them along with the antivirus and always get them updated. Regularlyschedule scanning of laptop for spywares, Trojans, adware and other malwares tomake them secure.

KeepYour System Updated. Let Windows constantly apply updates andpatch security holes in your system. However, it is a good practice to alwayscreate a System Restore Pointand backup your important files prior to applying updates on yoursystem.  You can use them to undo changesif problems occur or in case of update failure.

Seta System Password. Most computers have a built in CMOSsetup password in its BIOS.This require that a password by typed in before it will boot the Operating System. Itwill prohibit any access to the computer at all. This is definitely not apassword that you want to forget!

PasswordProtect Your Windows User Account.  Windows user accounts can be assigned apassword. This means that for a user to log on using an account, she must knowthe password.

Use Strong Password. A strongpassword mixes numbers, letters and specials characters.  There are also websites available online thatyou can use to generate strongpassword or an onlinepassword checker. 

KeepYour Firewall Turned On. A firewall helps protect your computerfrom hackers who might try to steal information, crash your computer or use itto attack other computers.  Even if youknow that your company is using corporate firewall to protect the computerinside their network, it is a good practice to always make sure that Windowsfirewall or third-party firewall is turned on specially when youare working on the road.

Bewareof Pop-up Security Fakes. There will be occasions wherein whilesurfing or browsing some websites, you will be presented with a securitywarning that you computer could be infected with a virus or malware.  This fake security software will entice youto scan or disinfect your computer by offering you a handy product to do thejob for you. Beware of this – it could be rouge security software.

EncryptSensitive Data. Consider data encryption if you havesensitive information on your computer. Encryption will protect your businesssecrets.

BackUp Important Data. You don’t have to back up everything on thelaptop. Just copy the important files you will need to the server. This willensure that you will have something to look for when your laptop gets stolen onyour trip. You just need to download your important files from the server toget the information you need.

Kid’sComputing. If you let your children use your laptop occasionally,always make sure that you keep an eye on them. Even if you are extra carefulwhen using your laptop, this could be put at risk by a simple click of yourkids especially when you let them browse or surf the internet. You can useparental-control software to prevent internet or computer use during off hours.Vista user accounts have this feature built-in.

ConsiderInsuring Your Laptop.  Ifyou laptop is expensive, it’s worth considering getting your laptop insured.Look for insurance providers such as Safewarethat offers this type of service

PhysicalSecurity

Don’tbe too obvious that you have them. Some fashionable peoplecarry their laptops in expensive cases and this spell trouble for them. Thosecases are hot in the prying eyes of thieves. There are available backpacks thatare not too obvious that you are carrying a laptop with you and they’re alsoslash-proof and shock-proof as well.

Bio-metrics. Thefuture of passwords is in your bio-metrics. The most common nowadays isfingerprints, retinas and even the shape of your face.

Lockthe Laptop. Most notebook computers have a KensingtonSecurity Slot which is a hole for attaching a lock. That was made for thepurpose of securing your laptop – use it.

TrackYour Laptop Anywhere. If a PC or notebook is stolen, you can makeuse of this technologyto track down your laptop. It’s not just for car, it’s alsoavailable for laptop. There are open source software that is availablefor free and also proprietarysoftware to choose from.