Preventing Theft of IT Assets in Transit

IT Asset Loss or Theft Common

According to a 2011 study of the government and corporate participants, over 140,000 laptops were lost or stolen in that year.  This is by far not the total number, only those reported.  These thefts no only represent an economic loss, for potentially a breach of sensitive or personal data.  In some cases, without proper and continual back-up, that data may be lost forever.

What are the Common Causes of these Thefts?
The majority of these thefts can be classified into one of two categories.  The first is improper storage.  These items are most commonly a theft of opportunity.  If you leave a high value item in plain sight, you are inviting someone to take it from you.  The second most common reason for theft is distraction.  How often at an airport do you hear announcement over the public address system about a flyer who left something at the TSA screening station.  We hear stories of people leaving smartphone and laptops in cabs all the time.  Never leave a location without taking a moment to make sure you leave with the same technology you arrived. 

What is the Risk?
Loss of personal IT equipment has two direct impacts, replacement costs and lost information.  If the device was issued by the company, it could result in financial restitution or loss of employment.

Protective Measures:

1.  If you are traveling by vehicle, always store computers in the trunk (if so equipped), never in the back seat.  Far too often laptops stored behind the seat on the floor of a vehicles are victims of a smash and grab theft.  When storing the device in the trunk, lock the device to the trunk hinge with a locking cable to further prevent ease of theft.

2.  If you are not physically using the device, secure it with a locking cable to something not easily moved.  Never leave a laptop on a table and walk off to get coffee or use the restroom.  You are inviting theft.  If you leave a device in your hotel room, lock it to the closet clothing bar and close the door.  Out of sight, out of mind for theves.

Safety Tips:

1.  Always carry a laptop cable lock.  I recommend a combination lock, which prevents issues with lost keys.

2.  Always back-up a laptop prior to travel.  If the device is stolen, your pre-trip data will still be accessible when you return.
 
3.  Never leave a laptop unattended, even for a second.  This invites theft or compromise.