Portability is a key part of the attraction of notebook computers, but it also makes them easy to steal. New survey data suggests that over half of Australian businesses have seen some form of business equipment stolen, and laptops are at the top of the heap.
According to the Kensington Australian Business Security Report 2011, which was conducted by IDC surveyed 1100 Australian workers in large companies, 51% had experienced a theft of equipment, up from 34 per cent the previous year. Of those companies which had seen a theft, notebook computers are the most commonly cited item. As you can see in the graph at the right, the most common location to use a laptop outside of work is at home (which is no protection against theft, of course).
Physically securing your laptop when not in use (using a PC lock or by locking it in a drawer) remains an important basic tactic; on the road, keeping it in sight at all times is your best defence. Also make sure you’ve installed software like Prey to track your machine if it gets stolen, a tactic which can be surprisingly effective.
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