The incidence of laptop theft as well as that of desktop models has become an increasingly difficult management problem. Thieves, often working in elaborate rings, have left many building managers and security managers shaking their heads in disbelief. A recent study by the Safeware Insurance Agency reports more than 320,000 laptop models were stolen in the U.S. last year. Laptops are often stolen from offices in buildings where this type of theft is not expected, making it precisely the type of easy crime opportunity thieves look for. Apart from the loss of the hardware there may be a loss of sensitive proprietary data, which is of far higher value than the laptop itself. Many of these crimes occur in buildings where there may be a uniformed security presence and CCTV protection. Unless good security practices are followed, it is virtually impossible to preclude these types of theft.

Highly mobile workforces and the practice of "hot desking" have increased reliance on computers by roving employees within companies. There are any numbers of devices available to secure this equipment so it does not leave the space it is assigned to. There are a number of procedures that can reduce the likelihood of your equipment being stolen by opportunistic thieves and reduce the likelihood of PC theft by contractors, staff, and professional thieves alike. Our experience indicates that once a computer theft has occurred, the likelihood of its recovery is low, and the likelihood of recurrence is high. Accordingly, security arrangements should be reviewed before equipment is replaced.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

We strongly recommend the adoption of the following as a guide to precluding computer theft and minimizing its impact.

• Observe basic entry and exit security for the buildings where you operate. Do not allow unauthorized persons to gain entry to workspaces or buildings by "piggybacking" behind employees.
• Encourage staffs and employees to support access controls by challenging unfamiliar visitors in the workplace.
• Escort all visitors from lobbies to interior destinations.
• Be certain that tenants and employees are made aware of the scope of this problem and educate accordingly.
• Consider making employees responsible for "preventable thefts". It is well known in the industry that company owned laptops are stolen at a far higher rate than personally owned laptops. Where users have a responsibility for their laptops, the incidence of theft and loss is greatly reduced.
• Be sure that company owned work and data are backed up. Should a laptop be stolen, the loss is confined to the machine. Confidential data should be encrypted.
• Have all laptops engraved with an identifying number or commercially available tag to make the resale of the computer very difficult.
• Have a management inventory system which is up to date and requires individuals to sign for a specific laptop.
• Make sure that equipment is not swapped or loaned without proper authority and tracking.
• Be certain that laptops are recovered when individuals leave the company.
• Make sure that employees know that all thefts will be reported to the police. Thoroughly investigate all reports of laptop theft.

TRAVEL SECURITY

SSC wants to make its valued clients aware of a common rip-off scam being perpetrated at airports across the country...it involves two persons who look for a victim carrying a laptop computer or other valuable carry-on baggage and approaching a metal detector. The thieves will position themselves in front of the unsuspecting passenger and stall until their mark puts the laptop on the conveyor belt. Then the first hustler moves through the metal detector easily. The second hustler deliberately sets off the detector and begins a very slow process of emptying pockets, removing jewelry, etc. While this is happening, the first hustler picks up the laptop and walks quickly away, heads to the gate area and disappears among the crowds. When the passenger finally gets through the metal detector, the laptop is gone and there's no way of proving the person who set off the detector and employed the delaying tactic had anything to do with the theft. In fact, a third hustler will also sometimes be involved and take a hand-off from the first. Then the computer is out of the restricted area before anything can be done to stop the theft (even if the passenger becomes aware of it while still waiting on the other side of the metal detector). Our sources say this has been a widely practiced tactic and happening at airports everywhere!

What can you do to prevent it from happening to you? Of course, the obvious is when traveling with a laptop or other carried valuables which must be placed on the airport's security conveyor belt for examination by X-ray, try to fly with a friend. Make sure one of you has cleared the detector before either puts anything on the conveyor belt! When you don't have a traveling companion and there are unavoidable lines, you must delay putting your luggage and laptop on the conveyor belt until you're sure you'll be the next person through the metal detector. And, as you move through the detector, keep your eyes on the conveyor belt and watch for your luggage and laptop to come through, (as well as keeping a "sharp eye" on what those in front of you are picking up). Remember...it will be the persons in line close in front of you who are most likely to make the theft. Be safe, be smart, and secure your laptop!

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