Watch your laptops, please

There has been a rash of laptop thefts these past few months at McGill. Laptops have been stolen from libraries, offices and residences. While most thefts have occurred while the laptop was left unattended, one bold thief grabbed one from an office while the occupant had his back to it.

Stolen laptops are easily sold for $500 or more on eBay, at flea markets and in pawnshops, or even on the street. Unfortunately for some victims, what is stored in the laptop is far more valuable than the laptop itself.

McGill Security Services offers you some suggestions to help you protect your laptop, and the data or software stored on it, from theft:

• Lock it up and keep it out of sight;
• Never leave your office or room unlocked with your laptop inside. Never leave your laptop unattended in a library even for a few minutes;
• Do not place your laptop near exterior windows where it can be subject to a "smash-and-grab" type of theft;
• Consider investing in a workstation-locking device;
• If you must leave your laptop in a car, lock it in the trunk. In sport utility vehicles, station wagons and vans, safeguard it out of sight;
• Use an inconspicuous carrying case for storing and transporting laptops. Cases are now designed to look like backpacks, briefcases and even handbags in which you can conceal your laptop;
• Store shipments of new or unassigned laptops in locked closets or rooms with controlled access and no false ceilings or partial walls;
• Use protective software such as password-locking programs, encryption programs and anti-virus software;
• Engrave your name/ID or the organization's name/ID on your laptop;
• Record the laptop's identification number and keep it in a safe place; and
• Consider investing in tracking software. Some companies promise to trace and recover your stolen computer within 30 days or refund you a set financial amount.

McGill Security Services works with you for a safe community.