Laptops/MacBooks

Laptops contain the same sensitive information as a desktop: passwords, photos, videos, financial data, emails, and a lot more. All laptops are normally protected by a log-in prompt, which most people think offers decent protection. It doesn’t. Remember the constant story of laptops being left on trains and in pubs? Perhaps it happens a little less now, but laptops are still stolen by opportunistic or targeted thieves.

Use full disc encryption
Full disc encryption encrypts all data and adds a strong bubble of protection. The UK Data Protection Act makes full disc encryption pretty much mandatory. BitLocker or FileVault are integrated, though 3rd party products can be stronger than BitLocker. For Mac, only FileVault works.

Watch your shoulder
Shoulder surfing is simply when someone looks over your shoulder to see what you are typing. This could happen anywhere but most often on planes, trains or other public spaces. If you are concerned, a laptop privacy filter might help.

Use Control-Alt-Delete
When leaving your desk, it’s always a good idea to press Control-Alt-Delete. This will lock the screen and stop people from viewing what you were doing or modifying any of your files. The same applies to a desktop computer. Set it to auto-lock, or better still, use a hardware token which locks the machines when you leave it.

Use a lock
A laptop lock may not stop large bolt cutters, but it's a 'put off', and a potential thief may target a less secure laptop instead. Sadly, these days, lock slots are not too common.

Don’t use a laptop bag
Laptop bags scream out, I’m an expensive laptop; please steal me’. Instead of using an obvious laptop bag, consider a laptop backpack or a generic backpack.

Take note of the serial number
If stolen, having your laptop's serial number can help police track it and also prove to an insurance company that the laptop is yours.

Use tracking
Tracking greatly increases the chance of getting a laptop back. It can also 'grab' images of the thief, trigger an alarm or even lock the laptop.

Be wary of public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are usually unencrypted, which means that your data whizzes around in plain view, and someone with the right kit and skills could view your emails and passwords. Other problems include rogue Wi-Fi hotspots, which are set up simply to log data. A paid VPN service is a good idea since it encrypts your connection, though it is not perfect. Better still, use your smartphone’s hotspot.

Put it in the car boot
If you need to leave a laptop in a car, leave it in the car boot (trunk). Putting it in plain view is just asking for trouble.

Don’t leave it on the floor
It only takes a second for a thief to snatch a laptop from a bag on the floor. Put it between your legs or put a foot through the strap to make it harder to steal. If you are off to a pub/bar after work, try not to take it with you.

Don't leave your laptop unattended
Do not leave it out of your sight even for a second, including in what you consider to be a 'safe' location. Always take it with you or lock it.

Do not be distracted
Many scams involve two people – one person might ask for directions while the other grabs your laptop from behind.

Erase your data
When you come to sell, throw away or donate the laptop, be sure to securely erase all data – and a simple Windows or MacOS format or operating system reload will not suffice. Either physically destroy the drive or use a software programme that overwrites all data.

Do not attach passwords
This may seem silly, but many people do it, and allegedly, even MI6 was caught out. There is no point in full disc encryption if the password is in the bag!