Mobile PC security basics
In this articleTo help protect your mobile PC against threats of data loss and computer theft, follow these mobile PC security basics.
Back up your data
It's important that you regularly archive your documents, folders, and settings so that you can retrieve the data if your mobile PC is stolen or the hard disk drive fails.
How often you should back up your files depends on the number of files you create and how frequently you create them. If you create files every day, you might want to back them up weekly or even daily. You can back up your data to a CD or DVD, a USB flash drive, or another computer if your mobile PC is on a network. It's best to schedule regular, automatic backups that run even while you are working on your mobile PC. For more information, see Set up or change automatic backup settings.
Encrypt your data
Data encryption provides a great line of defense against misuse of information if your mobile PC is stolen. Data encryption enhances the security of information by scrambling the contents of a message or file so that it can be read only by someone who has the appropriate encryption key to unscramble it.
You can encrypt a subset of files or folders, or an entire disk. Doing this protects the data stored in files and folders, the operating system, and any installed programs.
Use an anti-theft device
One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to secure your mobile PC is to use a security cable, with or without an alarm, to attach your mobile PC to a stationary object. Most mobile PCs have security slots in the side or the back of their case.
Use a security cable wherever you leave your mobile PC, such as a hotel room, a conference room, a co-worker's office, or a trade show booth. Never leave a mobile PC in an unlocked room, even if you think that the room is secure.
Insure your mobile PC
The insurance policies for most businesses, homeowners, and renters do not cover mobile PC damage or loss, and the few that do offer limited coverage. If you travel frequently with your mobile PC, consider buying coverage from a company that specializes in computer insurance.
Rates vary widely depending on where you live and the extent of coverage you purchase.
Encryption key
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Encryption key
A sequence of symbols or characters used to scramble or unscramble information that is being encrypted or decrypted.
Mobile PC
A general term that describes laptops, notebook PCs, Tablet PCs, and ultra-mobile PCs. This term does not describe computing devices (such as mobile phones and PDAs) or desktop computers.
Operating system
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Operating system
The computer program that manages all other programs on the computer. The operating system stores files, allows you to use software programs, and coordinates the use of computer hardware (such as the keyboard and mouse).
USB flash drive
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USB flash drive
A small device used to store information. USB flash drives plug into computer USB ports so you can copy information to or from them, making it easy to share and transport information.
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