…Safeguard your laptop

By Levi Sumagaysay

Your laptop stores some of the most valuable information about your life and career, so toting it everywhere comes with some real risks. Check out these three clever ways to help safeguard your life’s vital data.

1. Outsmart the thieves

• Carry your laptop in bag that doesn’t look like a laptop case.
• If you’re at a public place, use steel cables and locks to secure your laptop to the table. Some locks even come with alarms.
• Have your contact info engraved on your laptop, as you would with any important electronic device. It improves the chances of having your lost laptop returned.

2. Make it hard to access your stuff

• Make every effort to limit access to your laptop’s data. Use a USB key to store your files, or even an entire operating system.
• Set up strong password protection so your laptop won’t boot up without a master password.
• Use encryption software to protect your files or the hard drive.
• And if you’re really serious, consider buying a laptop with a fingerprint reader.

3. Block virtual intruders

• Always use a firewall to protect your laptop from hackers. The Windows operating system comes with a firewall, so make sure it’s enabled.
• You may also want another layer of protection provided by a third-party software.
• Resist the temptation to access the Internet via an unsecured wireless network. You might love the idea of free access, but it’s risky business.
• Make sure your laptop has antivirus software installed and keep it updated.
• Finally, be vigilant about installing patches for both your operating system and security software.