Be Cautious to Erase the Possibilities of a Laptop Theft

Laptops are powerful, portable and prestigious devices. They act as lures for thieves. Over thousands of laptops are stolen every year in South Africa, leaving the owners perplexed about their data and the subsequent action. Some laptops are simply lost in cabs, hotels, airports, and conferences. Some are retrieved by lucky owners while others are not. People find a 'moment of opportunity.' Professional 'laptop-lifters' work in teams and steal for resale. Some are stolen for the data contained in the laptop's hard drive like business plans, financial or personal data.

By raising an awareness, the vulnerabilities of a theft of laptops in South Africa can be reduced. Securing the laptop and data is important. Cable locks can be attached to any immovable item so that it's difficult to pick the laptop up and leave. If these cables are cut using a bolt cutter, an attached alarm will trigger off on tampering. Motion detectors or alarms are available without any cable locks. They are set to activate when the laptop is moved to a definite distance away from the pocket receiver possessed by the owner.

Use a laptop carrying case which doesn't look like one. Carrying a laptop case which says Sony or HP advertises that you're carrying a high-value commodity. While buying the laptops for sale, buy an unusual looking carrying case as an extra accessory. Use a backpack and put your laptop in a padded sleeve. The prime locations for laptop theft are the washroom at airports and the convention centers. Other prime places are at pay phones or roadside cafes in a busy area. Laptop thieves can accidentally spill anything on you while his/her companion walks away with your laptop.

The good rule of thumb is, when there's a diversion close to you, place your hand on the laptop. Individuals generally feel relaxed at conferences, since they are surrounded by peers, and convention staff offer extra security. Often thefts take place on the second or third day, while entry IDs aren't checked stringently, and attendees aren't wearing the badges. People may leave a laptop direct on their table unguarded, or in their bags during breaks. That's where the theft may occur.