Having laptop security is a very important way to protect yourself from identity theft. There are several ways that you can protect your laptop and the personal information that it holds.
What You Need From Laptop Security Software
The four main features that you require from Laptop Security Software are as follows:
- The ability to geolocate your stolen laptop
- To be able to remotely retrieve and delete files
- Secretly monitor and control the thief’s activity
- Recover the stolen laptop
If you would like to read more about Laptop Security Software click on the graphic to the right.
Stop Spyware
One of the most important aspects of security for your laptop is having something to stop spyware. The internet browser Mozilla Firefox is very effective at blocking spyware and keeping your laptop secure.
You also want to make sure that you have a good, working firewall. Most operating systems contain a built in firewall, but you should check and make sure that it is up and running. You do not want to leave your computer open to hackers and thieves.
Automatic Operating System Updates
You should also make sure that your operating system automatically updates itself to make sure that you have the most current protection possible.
Good Password Protection
You should also choose a good password. While it can be annoying to type in a long password all the time, laptop security is more important. Don’t use passwords that are easy to guess like birthdays, pet’s names, or your home town.
Pick something crazy or quirky that you will remember, but that no one would ever guess. The main character from your favorite movie, a personality trait or attribute that may or may not describe you, and the name of a place that is meaningful to you for a very small and simple reason are all ideas that can get you thinking.
The best passwords are longer than 7 or 8 characters and have numbers and special characters included. Spelling words wrong on purpose or making your password a string of random words are both good ways to keep your password secure.
Protecting The Data In Your Laptop Files Is Critical
Your laptop computer does not have to be stolen for you to lose information that can lead to identity theft. This can occur while you are away from your office, for example, while you are at lunch. The time to think about this security issue is before it occurs. If you are a professional with the confidential data of clients on your computer using file encryption software can prevent you from being sued by clients whose information is stolen.
Safeguarding Your Laptop
While it is important to protect yourself from internet hackers, that is not all that computer security includes. Your identity and personal information can also be stolen by someone who steals your laptop, so there are a few things to keep in mind.
Files with private information should be encrypted so that if a thief were to steal your laptop, your files could not be accessed.
Don’t leave your laptop locked in your car or even your trunk unless you have to, because a thief can break in very easily. It’s worth it to buy a heavy-duty laptop lock that can’t be cut through with a pair of pliers.
There is no point in protecting yourself if you are not going to protect yourself well because today’s thieves are high tech and they know what they are doing.
As always, it is important to remember that the best way to protect yourself from the hassle and expense of identity theft is to prevent it entirely.
Having good laptop security and internet security software can go a long way to protecting your personal information from would-be thieves.
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