The True Cost of Stolen Electronics
The cost of a stolen tablet, laptop, or other small electronic device is not only the cost of purchasing new equipment but also the costs of peripheral devices and accessories, installed software, and lost time for the IT department in your company.
An even greater cost (especially if it concerns a company device) is the potential risk and liability arising from the compromise of personal data stored on it.
How to Reduce the Risk of Electronic Device Theft?
Many times, often after the fact, we wonder what we could have done to prevent the theft of a valuable device. Below are some tips on how to protect your laptop and other personal electronics, whether you are at home, school, or traveling:
- Do not leave your devices in an open vehicle, even if it is parked in the driveway or garage, and NEVER leave them in plain sight, even if the vehicle is locked — this is just an invitation for thieves and a recipe for trouble. If you must leave your device in a vehicle, the best place for it is the trunk. If you do not have a trunk, hide it from view, for example, by placing it under the seat and locking the doors.
- Carry your device in a regular briefcase, bag, or backpack. By using a special laptop bag, you immediately signal to a thief that you have this valuable device with you.
- Do not leave a meeting or conference room without your laptop or other electronic equipment. Take them with you.
- Lock the device in a secure place when not in use or use a cable lock to secure it to a desk or chair.
- REMEMBER that if your computer is stolen, automatic login may make it easier for the thief to send inappropriate messages from your account. Use password protection and require login every time the computer goes to sleep or shuts down.
Air Travel with a Laptop and Other Devices
Be cautious of this type of theft as you approach the X-ray scanner at the airport: the first person quickly passes through the scanner, while the second moves slowly, taking a long time to empty their pockets of loose change, keys, etc. During this time, impatient travelers behind them place their belongings on the conveyor belt: laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Taking advantage of the situation, the first thief grabs the nearest device as if it were their own and walks away, while the second continues to hold up the line.
PLACE YOUR LAPTOP ON THE BELT ONLY WHEN YOU ARE NEXT IN LINE! Keep an eye on your laptop, tablet, or other electronics as they come off the conveyor belt. Immediately alert security if you suspect someone is trying to steal your device.
Report Theft Immediately!
If theft occurs, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY to the IT department and the Data Protection Officer (DPO). This will enable your company to secure the stolen equipment and assess the risks associated with the personal data processed on it, and, where appropriate, report this fact to the President of the Polish Data Protection Authority!
