Tech Exposures

I consider myself to be a lucky one.  I’ve traveled all over the world for two decades with my laptop pc in tow.  Fortunately for me, I’ve never had it stolen.   However, the statistics are starting to get stacked in favor of you having your laptop snatched at least at one point.

The FBI reported that over 1.5 million laptops were stolen in the USA alone last year.  That’s 2.85 laptops stolen in the USA every second of the day.  And, the numbers are on the rise.

If you are one of the unlucky ones, there are now technologies that assist you in retrieving your laptop and prevent misuse of your personal data  (Provided that you have the tracking software installed on your laptop).

The most ‘popular’ places for laptop thieves to do their work and how you can prevent the crime.

Airports, University dorms, and Hotels.

Airport Security - When you are weary from travel, and your focus is on responding to TSA or other security screeners, that’s when the thief strikes.  They lurk around the security sleeves at the terminals and wait for the unsuspecting traveler to bend down and tie his or her shoes, or to be distracted while collecting their other valuables.

While you are going through security at the airport, remember to keep all your valuables in one bag and zipped close.  When you take out the laptop to run through the security belt, keep your eye on it at all times.  Even if you have to answer security questions, don’t take your eyes off the security belt.  If you are requested to be patted down, ask the agent to please take your laptop to the side so you can look at it while they pat you down.  TSA’s website says that they their agents are instructed to comply with this request from travelers.

University Dorm Rooms  & Hotels

Dormitories provide the best and easiest access for thieves to grab laptops (along with other valuables).  With more than one student occupying a room, it’s tough to secure all valuables at all times.  My niece had three (3!) laptops stolen from her dorm in three separate years.

Hotel Rooms

Hotel rooms are similar to dorms in that the laptop owner is not the only one with access to the room.  Even the safe in the room can be accessed by hotel staff.  I’ve heard of business travelers having their laptops stolen right from under their eyes while they took a shower or even while sleeping.  Remember to dead-bolt the door when inside your room.  Never, ever, leave your laptop unattended in the room.

Solution to the Problem

Solutions range from taking your laptop with you at all times, which is nearly impossible, to placing a safe or lockdown key on the PC itself.   There are no easy solutions here, but you can take steps to keep prying eyes away from your private and sensitive information.

So what can you do?  There are technologies that offer prevention and deterrence from would-be thiefs.  If the criminal who stole your laptop cannot use the PC, he will think twice about his next theft. Now, you can go even a step further and get your laptop back! Imagine the look on the criminal’s face when law enforcement pull up to his hideaway and retrieve your stolen computer.

One technology is so cool that in the event of laptop theft or loss, their patented technology allows you to geo-locate stolen laptops in real-time. You can also remotely delete/retrieve files from the stolen computer and also monitor and control the thief’s every action. They even  work with law enforcement to recover the laptop!

What’s better is that Laptop Cop is offering a special 20% Discount Limited Time Offer Use Promo Code “LTCWW20″. Even better, they offer a 100% Guaranteed Recovery Rate for their service.

If your company does a lot of business travel , or if your kids are students away at college, you won’t find a better way to protect your investment, and ease of mind that your data is safe.  Let’s hope we can take a bite out of crime.