Computer Security

Thieves are everywhere, including Bermuda. 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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