Computer
Security
Thieves are everywhere,
including Hawaii. They like cameras, but
they really LOVE portable computers.
We don’t go anywhere
without at least one computer in tow, so
we have picked up a few tips and ideas on
how to protect it.
Lock It Up
Get a Kensington lock. It
may not look like much, but it will
really deter a thief or at least slow the
thief down if he/she decides to go after
your computer. The most important thing
is that the cable be attached to
something un-moveable. Attachment points
to consider are your bed, the pipes under
the bathroom sink, or the base of the
toilet. The problem with all of these
ideas is that they telegraph to the
cleaning staff that you have something
worth stealing. Thus, you should consider
keeping the computer with you whenever it
is practical, and then lock it up in your
rental car trunk and attach the lock to the trunk door
hinge. This last idea is our personal
favorite and it has served us well many
times. Always be sure, of course, to park
your car in a shady (i.e. cool) area,
although your trunk and your computer
case are likely to shield your computer
from the heat.
Some Airport Tips
Leave your lap top in
suspend mode. Many airports will make you
turn on the computer to prove it
isn’t a bomb in disguise. If your
computer is in suspend mode, you will
save yourself a few minutes of waiting at
the security area. This could be very key
if you are running late. Also, the longer
you are distracted by your computer, the
easier it is for someone to steal your
other luggage.
Many computers get stolen at
airport x-ray machines (which, by the
way, will not hurt your computer). If you
are traveling alone, put the computer on
the x-ray machine conveyor belt and then
do not walk through the metal detector
until the computer has passed well into
the machine (i.e. out of the reach of a
thief at the x-ray entry point). Once you
go through the metal detector, quickly
pick up the computer. If you set off the
metal detector, keep walking anyway and
pick up your laptop. Demand that one of
the security people hold it while you go
through the metal detector for a second
time.
If you are traveling with
someone else, the second person to go
through security should hold the
computer(s). Don’t put them on the
belt until the first person has gone
through and is ready to catch the
computer(s) coming out of the x-ray
machine.
You might also consider
taking your hard drive out of your laptop
and asking the security staff to hand
check it. That way, if someone does walk
off with your computer, you'll at least
still have your data files.
We also recommend that you
close your computer any time a flight
attendant is any where near you with any
liquids. Soda and computers don’t
mix very well.
Protect Yourself
With a Password
Always make use of password
protection. If your data is the real goal
of a thief, this will help protect your
information. If they are just after your
hardware, this will be your way of
cheating them out of a victory at your
expense.
Guard Your
Connection
Never use the "save password"
feature of any browser or website. That
way if someone steals your computer, they
won't have instant access to your Facebook pages and shopping sites.
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