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 Securing your notebook is not unlike protecting your automobile. Every day, as you drive, park, step in and out, then repeat the process, you need to make sure you’re taking precautions to prevent auto intrusion, damage, or theft. Notebooks are vulnerable to an even broader range of security risks. There is potential for some form of intrusion every time you access the Internet and start moving sensitive information.
Damaging malware, such as viruses, spyware, and adware, can feed on your computer’s data and harness control of your portable system. Password crackers will work hard to steal the information stored on laptops—this is where end users can get into trouble by using a far-too-normal password. The loss or theft of a laptop is no less significant than attacks from malicious ads or hackers. In this article, we’ll explain the aforementioned security hazards, what steps you can take to avoid them, and how to counteract active or passive assaults on your notebook.
 RECOGNIZE THE RISKS
For anyone unfamiliar with malware, this term defines everything you wouldn’t want to find on your computer. An amalgamation of the words “malicious” and “software,” malware can attack your notebook via hostile programs without your knowledge or consent. For example, a virus can attach itself to a file, email message, application, or another form of media and infiltrate your computer by corrupting data and slowing down your hard drive. Malware can also damage your system via the following means: spyware, adware, worms, rootkits, backdoors, bots, keyloggers, Trojan horses, and never-ending spam. The threat to your privacy is real; if you haven’t established a solid base of defense, such as hard drive encryption, third parties have the potential to exploit your online information and activity.
Losing personal or business data is a trauma no one should have to endure. Normally, you don’t expect your notebook to crash or experience software failure, which is exactly why a person should invest in a laptop data recovery service. (We’ll expand on this later.) Most data loss situations are the result of mechanical failure or physical destruction. Hard drives are not immune to breakdowns, and it’s also possible to accidentally overwrite an important file or for damage to occur as the result of electrostatic discharge. Laptops are also susceptible to repeated dropping and the general wear-and-tear of everyday use. Extreme damage is typically caused by water or fire from natural disasters. |
Use the Yoggie Gatekeeper Pico security suite to prevent Internet intrusions while increasing the performance of your notebook.
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A stolen laptop is a useless laptop—except to the thief who’s managed to get his hands on your notebook. You can always replace a laptop, but it’s far less likely that you’ll be able to replace the valuable documents stored on your system. The risks of laptop theft are serious: Your files could be compromised, or, worse, your identity could be stolen.
COMPREHENSIVE PREPARATION
To ensure that you’re taking the best preventative measures for safeguarding your notebook, keep in mind the concept of “layers.” The more you can increase your levels of security, the better you’ll protect your investment. Security software, programs, and removable media can significantly enhance your notebook contingency plan.
Every PC or laptop needs security software to keep even the most “harmless” spam away from your system. AVG Internet Security 8.0 ($54.99 for a one-year subscription; www.grisoft.com) will help you safely surf the Web while providing real-time virus, spyware, and spam prevention. As an alternative, you can always opt for the reliable standard: Norton Antivirus 2008 ($39.99 for a one-year subscription; www.symantec.com). The latest version boasts faster scans, one-click support, and background threat blocking.
Even though you can attempt to defend your laptop in every possible way, security problems may still come your way. For example, if your laptop is infected by a virus despite protection, you should be able to rely on your antivirus software to find a cure for your system. Warning signs such as strange error messages, irregular reboots, or an overly lethargic system are all indications that your laptop might be infected. To boost your laptop’s immunity, be sure that your automatic scans are on schedule and regularly updated. If necessary, you may need to quarantine any tainted files or perform a system restore.
The Yoggie Gatekeeper Pico ($149; www.yoggie.com) is an ideal option for implementing full-coverage laptop security. Although it’s the same shape and size of a standard USB drive, the Gatekeeper Pico is actually a mini-computer that functions as an all-in-one protection system; it even has a processor, memory, and an operating system. When you connect the Gatekeeper Pico to your laptop, it automatically manages your network security by physically isolating your laptop from Internet threats. As the Pico places your system in Stealth Mode, it conceals your notebook from hackers and protects it from viral assaults.
Specifically, its security features cover antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing, antispam, and firewall protection. It will also guard your system from hackers via the Intrusion Detection System. The Web filtering and parental content controls will help you keep unwanted material from disturbing your child’s online time, as well.
IN-DEPTH DEFENSE
Data encryption is one of the best ways to defend your laptop, as well as your data, wherever you roam. PGP offers Whole Disk Encryption software ($119; www.pgp.com) for the safeguarding of your laptop and its valuable contents, including all user data, boot sectors, and applications. In order to keep spies or thieves from accessing your data, Whole Disk Encryption locks and protects all of your valuable data by encrypting your entire hard disk drive. Only authorized users with knowledge of a specific passphrase would be able to access your stored information. The software also provides options for securely sharing your encrypted data with others.
KEEP TRACK OF IT ALL
If you’ve had the unfortunate experience of realizing your laptop was lost or stolen, then you can appreciate a service such as Absolute Software’s Computrace LoJack for Laptops ($39.99 for a one-year Standard subscription; www.absolute.com). The software installs a small client in your computer’s firmware and runs in the background on your computer, unobtrusively connecting to Absolute Software’s Monitoring Center’s server. If stolen, the Absolute Software Recovery Team can use this data to pinpoint the location of your computer when thieves attempt to connect to the Internet. Additionally, the Premium Edition ($59.99 for a one-year subscription) offers a $1,000 service guarantee and the option to remotely delete data.
Theft prevention is also available in the form of tracking plates and recovery labels. The STOP metal security plate ($25.50; www.stoptheft.com) is equipped with a traceable bar code that is designed to discourage laptop theft and resale. If someone attempts to remove the STOP plate, the chemically-bonded tattoo underneath will reveal the words STOLEN PROPERTY and the STOP 1-800 number for their 24-hour recovery hotline. The plate itself has an individual registration number and bar code.
To prevent bystanders from looking over your shoulder and stealing private information, consider a laptop privacy filter. 3M provides frameless Privacy Filters (prices start at $46.89; www.3mestore.com) for monitors ranging from 12 inches to 20 inches. Using microlouver technology, the Privacy Filter shields the side-viewing angle.
For anyone in need of a new notebook bag, you would be wise to invest in one that doesn’t exclaim, “There’s a laptop in here!” For instance, the TSB700 15.4-inch Rolling Laptop Backpack from Targus ($69.99; www.targus.com) is a convenient, urban carrying case. Frequent travelers will appreciate the in-line skate wheels during those last minute airport departures. Use the durable straps to keep your notebook snug on your shoulders. Backpacks aren’t your only choice; there are many travel-friendly cases, messenger bags, and carry-ons. For more information on the best case or bag for jet-setters, see “It’s In The Bag” on page 48.
Don’t overlook the importance of cable locks. They can serve as a theft deterrent simply because someone might notice the lock and think twice about taking a notebook that’s locked down.
ASSESS THE DAMAGE
Intercepting internal problems is half the battle of laptop security. In the case of loss, theft, or damage, the most effective solution is to start with full protection the first time you use your laptop.  by Joanna Safford
LAPTOP SECURITY LOGIC
Understanding the primary threats to notebook security is the first step in safeguarding your portable investment. We’ve narrowed down some of the basic threats and risks so you can prevent them long before you start worrying about the trouble they can cause.
| Problem | Result(s) | Prevention | | Malware | Infected system; concealed file deletion; hijacked information | Download the latest version of an antivirus program with firewall protection | | Hacking | Keyloggers crack passcode and obtain confidential data | Increase password strength; purchase password management software | | Hardware failure | Hard disk malfunctions | Use an online data recovery service | | Theft | Stolen or replicated information | Back up valuable data on a regular basis; use a lock or theft-prevention product | | Dropped or damaged | Broken exterior; internal destruction | Invest in a substantial laptop cover, case, or bag | | Lost | Inability to access important documents; increased theft probability | Protect your data with remote wiping and encryption; avoid misplacement | |
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