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If you're part of today's mobile workforce, you know that laptops provide a powerful processing tool that is conveniently portable. Among the modern nomadic employee set are sales-staff, insurance adjustors, analysts, researchers and case/social workers, many who are individuals that travel between various locations throughout their work day. Without the use of laptops, many industries wouldn't see the same business growth. Insurance adjustors, and those alike, would have to set additional time aside for data entry from the many forms and papers collected out in the field.

Though the use of notebook computers brings convenience and job portability to employees everywhere, it also makes them a target for laptop theft. The laptop itself can be easy enough to steal, and sensitive customer information stored on these mobile hard drives can increase the attraction to scheming data thieves. Proper safety measures are necessary in order for businesses and employees to protect their physical and intellectual assets.

What can businesses and individuals do as precautions against laptop theft? Keeping sensitive data safe on a portable device begins with using caution when caring for the laptop. Here are three common-sense ways you can keep your laptop out of thieves' hands:

1. Keep your laptop in an inconspicuous container. Flashy laptop cases might seem aesthetically appealing, but they end up attracting thieves' attention.

2. Don't to leave laptops unattended in plain view. If you're forced to leave your laptop in the car, take an extra moment to lock it in the trunk. (1)

3. At the airport, don't set your computer bag on the ground when checking in for your flight. The chaotic environment of crowded places presents opportunities for effortless theft. (2)

Though these basic precautions help to deter thieves, alone they're just not enough, especially when a thief could gain access to your whole livelihood from an unsecured laptop. Why should thieves steal a car when your portable computer is an easier and limitless wealth of data? Laptop crime sprees will inevitably continue as long as people are careless with their machines.

Aren't passwords enough to thwart a data thief? Individuals and companies alike rely on passwords for email, document and computer security. While the use of passwords isn't discouraged, it is pertinent to understand that they are only a basic safety measure. Passwords risk being guessed, may be known by too many people or can be circumvented by a clever thief with hacking abilities.

When passwords become obsolete, Remote Laptop Security (RLS) can be used to effectively protect sensitive data on a portable machine. Using RLS, important files stay secure even when the laptop is not in your possession.

What are the benefits to using an encryption or data security tool? By protecting documents with RLS measures, the company and mobile employee stay in control of the data clients have entrusted them with. Using RLS tools allows individuals and organizations to maintain the trusted image they've built over the years in the new digital age. The YMCA, for example, can save face by protecting another 65,000 individuals from the risk of identity theft when a company laptop turns up missing.

Mobile employees are human and can fall victim to bad routines, like leaving laptops unattended. RLS can save the privacy concerns and embarrassment that comes with laptop theft and consequent data breaches. In some cases, RLS does not require an IT administrator for deployment and can be used by companies of any size (3). For bigger organizations, IT staff can help by installing and implementing the use of RLS tools.

How does Remote Laptop Security (RLS) Work? When data is secured with RLS, in the case that a laptop is stolen the user can log-in to their account from another computer and remotely deny access to any protected files. This prevents access to confidential data that may exist on the lost or stolen laptop.

The frequent occurrence of laptop theft in recent headlines highlights the necessity for improved laptop security. The combination of human error, carelessness and failed passwords has created a dangerous environment in which laptop thieves can effortlessly gain access to an abundance of names, addresses, Social Security and bank account numbers, among other sensitive data. Adding Remote Laptop Security as a layer of protection between your organization and data thieves can save your company public relations headaches, compliance violations and that all important perception of trust.

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End Notes:

1.) Providence Health System's Seattle region reported four stolen laptops from employee cars between September 2005 and May 2006. One theft put 365,000 Providence Health patients at risk of ID theft.

2.) In April 2006 a Boeing employee laptop was grabbed at an airport, compromising 3,600 employees Social Security numbers, addresses and phone numbers.

3.) RLS features, such as those found in security software like Essential Taceo are easy to install and don't require an IT Admin.

About the Author

Mila Levkovsky and Marilee Veniegas are part of the marketing team at Essential Security Software, an emerging access rights software company based in Bellevue, WA.