If you have chosen an operating system that has in-built security features (Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Professional are examples) then do not be afraid to use them. Features may include secure logon, file level security, and the ability to encrypt data.

It would be unwise not to protect the BIOS. Find out whether the BIOS will also protect the hard disk drive to stop it from being used in another machine. Another tip is to find out what the procedure is for resetting the BIOS password. If it has to be sent back to the manufacturer, so much the better, as that will afford some protection, as a thief is unlikely to do that. Some will offer an in-the-field work around, which might make it attractive to a thief.

Engraving your company name on the case of the laptop with an address or contact number, or both, may increase the
likelihood of getting the laptop returned to you if it is stolen and recovered (or, if by some accident, you forget it).
Commercial asset tags are also a great aid to the police to return the laptop to you. It may also serve as a deterrent to the
casual thief if the choice is between stealing a marked laptop or an unmarked laptop. Why? They cannot sell it using an
online auction so easily. Also, travelling through airport security means that someone is also less likely to pick up your
laptop accidentally. Information freely available on the Web suggests that 97% of stolen laptops are never recovered.

Most people ignore registration because they think that it is likely to lead to spam. However, remembering that thieves are usually not smart, one might be unintelligent enough to send it in for service or to reset the BIOS, so having it registered with the manufacturer might prove valuable if you alert them to the fact that it is stolen.

Most laptops have a Universal Security Slot (USS), also known as a Kensington Security Slot (sometimes referred to as a
K-slot or Kensington Slot). Will it stop bolt cutters? Unlikely. Will it stop a casual thief that just happened to be walking past
your hotel room while room service had propped the door open, and then gone off to get more towels? Probably. And
make sure to secure it around a strong, immovable, indestructible object. Also use it in the office. What percentage of
laptop thefts occur in the office? (See below for answer).

Use a docking station that is securely fastened to your desk. If it also allows you to lock the laptop in place, so much the better. This is especially important if you are leaving the laptop overnight, or longer. Better still, lock it in a strong cabinet if at all possible.

It might look chic to have the latest designer laptop case or manufacturers case, but nothing sends out a better signal to a thief than an ostentatious display, which may include your company logo, elite looking luggage tags, your business card embossed in plastic that gives a thief a clue as to the likely worth of the contents. There are nondescript backpacks that have padded sleeves to hold a laptop safely. A backpack is useful for going to the restroom without having to put your case down. For the ultra-security conscious, buy little padlocks to lock the zips so that no-one can get into the backpack quickly, steal the laptop, and then zip it back up again.

Thieves are good at thieving. They will target coffee houses, cafes, restaurants, and the hotel lobby, as at some stage you will put your case on the floor, and your guard is usually let down as you place an order. This is especially true if you are paying for something by credit card, as you are busy keeping an eye on that, entering a PIN, signing, and your attention is elsewhere. Thieves can be as anonymous and as part of the scenery as you are.

Anywhere that you have to put your laptop down you are at risk of getting your laptop stolen. Air travel provides a number
of opportunities to a well-organized thief. Curb-side check-in, car rental, check-in, security checkpoints, shops, seating
areas, and rest-rooms are all areas where extra caution should be taken.

At some stage you are likely to rent a car, or travel in your own car. Never, ever, ever leave the case in full view on the
back seat, front seat, floor wells, or anywhere that it is in view. If you know that you are going to have to lock it in the
trunk/boot do it out of plain sight wherever possible. If you have an SUV, make sure that you use the laptop lock to secure
it to the car, as the luggage compartment cover will provide no protection. If it has a trunk/boot lid and you are going to
have to leave the laptop in the trunk, then do so before you get to your destination if that is possible. Thieves will target
restaurants or bars for business and watch for groups loading up the trunk/boot with laptops. If possible, load the trunk
before you leave for the restaurant/bar. If there is a way that you can secure your laptop to the trunk lid with the cable then
do not be frightened to do so. Thieves will target rental vehicles. Also, if the vehicle is damaged you will probably be liable
for that too.

Always secure the laptop in the hotel room. Doors can often be left open by hotel staff, and they can sometimes be
conned into letting thieves into your room. If you have to leave it in the hotel safe (if there is one) then get a receipt. If you
lock it in your room safe, before you do so, ask what the override process is if you forget the key code combination. Do
not leave it with hotel personnel. If you have to leave it in the hotel room for an extended period of time, lock it out of sight
if possible.

Probably the weakest link in the security chain is the people. Which means you and me. If you can adopt a healthy siege mentality regarding your laptop, you will increase your chances of keeping it. It takes seconds to use the cable lock. Install it while the laptop is powering up. Make it part of your routine to install it. People may tease you for constantly locking it up, but thieves will not. And do not forget that it is not safe in the office either, so lock it up there, too.

It is a requirement at most airports to remove your laptop and put it on a plastic tray when going through security. Make
sure that you have external identification marks on the top and bottom of your laptop to deter it being accidentally "stolen".
If you are unfortunate enough to be required to give up your laptop be sure to get a receipt. Ask to see the identification of