As we read earlier this week, the chances that one or more of your
digital devices may get stolen are uncomfortably high. So what would happen if your mobile device
falls into the wrong hands? Here are a few tips that will help minimize
the damage if it happens to you.
1. Password-protect your computing devices.
While it sounds obvious, if anyone steals your device they will have
to defeat your password to get at your data and accounts, which will
significantly slow attackers. Although it is not impossible to defeat
password protection on a digital device, it adds a useful layer of
protection, buying you time to locate and recover the device.
2. Always backup your files.
Why? Even if you can’t recover a stolen device that does not mean you
have to lose all your information and software. Regular backups are the
ultimate defense against theft of your files. There are plenty of
options for backup these days including online backup. (Here’s an
example of an
online backup service.)
My colleague David Harley has written
about backup here on the blog and here is a link to
Aryeh Goretsky’s white paper
on the subject (.pdf). Taking the time to setup backup really pays off
if a device is stolen, helping reduce the pain involved in re-creating
the sensitive content.
3. Use tracking software to help get your stolen device back.
Why? Getting your stolen device back is not impossible, particularly
if the device itself can tell you where it is and you can communicate
with it using a sort of “remote control” via SMS or other methods. You
may even be able to communicate with the person who has it. (Here’s an
example of how one piece of
anti-theft software for PCs.)
4. Don’t tempt thieves with unattended mobile devices, particularly in public places.
Why? Leaving your computer or mobile device unattended in a car,
airport or restaurant is akin to asking for it to be stolen. In a
recent survey
we found that 1 in 5 stolen devices were taken from a car, 12% from an
airport, train, bus, or other public transportation, and 11% from a
restaurant or coffee shop. (Here’s an example of
anti-theft software for Android devices.)
5. Encrypt sensitive data.
Why? Storing sensitive data in encrypted files prevents anyone
exploiting your data if your computer is stolen. Note: File encryption
is available free on recent version of both the Microsoft Windows and
apple Mac OS X operating systems. This step is a lot easier than it used
to be, so the pain level is low these days (unlike in years past).
Bonus tip. Think about removing sensitive data from your device.
Why? Your computer may interact with sensitive data but it does not
need to store all of it right there in one place. Consider using
encrypted removable media for sensitive data and carrying that separate
from the computer. Maybe leave sensitive work files on the company
network and access remotely over a secure connection. This way, if “bad
things” happen, you’ll have much lower likelihood that the bad actors
got off with critical information.
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