by Lori Deschene
Bet you ove your new laptop, huh? So do I. If I weren’t such a model citizen I just might find a way to take it. Not everyone has my moral code (or striking good looks). Luckily it’s easy to protect your stuff if you use common sense and take advantage of a few handy online tools.
5. Protect Your Laptop
Did you know that 12,000 laptops are lost in U.S. airports each week and two-thirds are never returned? Even more alarming, recent statistics indicate 1 in 10 laptops will be stolen and 97 percent won't be recovered.
- Use visual locks, like STOP, which attaches a barcoded and registered plate to your laptop, and shows a warning label that lets cyber thieves know your notebook is permanently monitored.
- Encrypt your data and back it up with a program like Mozy.
- Download anti-theft software, like LoJack for Laptops. This way you can track down your notebook through the IP address if it’s stolen.
- Mark it with mechanical engraving or dot matrix stenciling (ultra-violet markings can fade over time). Include your full name, license number, and business details if relevant.
4. Protect Your iPod
According to an FBI Uniform Crime Report, iPod robberies in 2007 and 2008 show a dramatic increase from 2005 and 2006. Thieves don’t just want your MP3 player—they want the thousands of dollars worth of stuff you downloaded. Don’t just give it away!
- Use an iCage lock if you leave it at your desk (or if you’re in college, in your dorm room).
- Use an arm band instead of keeping it on your body when you use it.
- Make some kind of permanent mark on the device so it’s easy to identify.
- Use iHound software—a security app that alerts you whenever someone attaches your USB digital device to their computer. The software’s “Device Tracker” will show you exactly where it is, and then you can print that and bring it to the cops.
3. Protect Your GPS
If someone takes your GPS you’re not just out of a handy gadget. You’re also leading a criminal to your home if you saved that info on the device.
- Use a security password if the GPS allows it, and follow these security measures when entering your address.
- Load GadgetTrak onto the unit. If someone steals your device and connects it to their computer, the website will show you where it is and help you recover it.
- Put it in your glove compartment when you park—or even better, put it in your bag and take it with you.
- Take the suction cup down when you park and wipe down the windshield with baby wipes. That telltale ring just screams, “Break into me and look around. There’s a GPS somewhere inside!”
- Write down the serial number so the police can track it down if it’s stolen. (In case you’re not aware, we provide a forum for that here at MyThings. You can upload pictures and store all the important info in one place!)
2. Protect Your Mobile Phone
Now that mobile phones are practically hand-held computers, theft is more prevalent than ever. If someone takes your cool phone, it could cost you way more than the fee to replace it. According to CBS 5 Consumer Watch, cell phone service providers are charging victims hundreds, and in some cases thousands of dollars for calls they didn't make.
- Use the security lock code or PIN feature to lock your phone; this will likely make it a less attractive target. (It’ll also block access to the numbers stored on your SIM card.)
- Don’t wear it on your body—keep it deep in your pocket or purse instead.
- Keep an eye out for nAlertMe, a soon-to-be-released application that uses your phone’s internal motion detection system to trigger a loud alarm if it’s stolen.
- Learn your phone’s IMEI number (by keying in *#06#) so your service provider can disable your phone if it’s stolen. This may not work for all phone models in the US.
1. Protect Your Digital Camera
You always need to keep an eye on your camera but especially on vacation, when it's easy to get distracted.
- Use an old camera bag—one that once stored a low-quality camera—to make the item look less appealing.
- Don’t dangle the strap on your shoulder when you’re out and about. This makes it really easy for someone to grab it.
- Use Eye-Fi—an SD memory card that automatically uploads pictures to a home computer or online photosharing service as soon as you’re linked to a familiar wireless network. This helped one woman track down the thief who stole her camera.
- Install GadgetTrak software (mentioned above) to help you find it once it’s stolen.
If you’ve stumbled upon this blog just a little too late I recommend you visit Trace.com, the largest global database of lost and stolen items. Secondhand retailers visit the site before accepting an item from someone off the street to make sure they aren’t buying something stolen. List your item on there and you’ll increase your odds of getting it back.
posted @ Tuesday, September 30, 2008 4:20 PM