Notebook Security

What does everyone do for security while at college? I thought about a lock but I'd like to hear alternatives (if any). Also, what's the security port do on the side of the HP dv5000?

 

If you want to protect your laptop from being stolen, you definitely need a lock (or a renter insurance with property coverage). If you want to protect the personal data on the laptop, there are several things you need to do without cost. Just list a few below:

1. Set a startup password (before OS).
2. Password protect the BIOS.
3. Disable booting from floppy and CD in BIOS (you can always turn it back on at the time you need them).
4. HD encryption (be very careful with this).
5. Set up password for screen saver recovery.
6. Choose a password for OS logon.

 

You might want to keep your sensitive data in a TrueCrypt virtual drive, which I have yet to get around to setting up. It's cross-platform too.

 

I've never heard of startup passwords or BIOS passwords. Is this a notebook exclusive feature? What could disabling floppy and CD booting do for security, just prevent someone from reinstalling an OS?

Thanks for the link, Brian.

 

I've never heard of startup passwords or BIOS passwords. Is this a notebook exclusive feature?

Not really, but they're more common on notebooks.

What could disabling floppy and CD booting do for security, just prevent someone from reinstalling an OS?

Prevents them from getting around the Windows security by booting their own operating system from floppy or CD (or USB port). Makes it more difficult for someone to wipe your machine clean so they can resell it on ebay or something. Doesn't prevent it of course; too easy to pull the hard drive, attach it to a different system and do a clean wipe.

While these are all good ideas, they're really kind of closing the barn doors after the horses are gone. Better to prevent the laptop from being stolen in the first place. Keep the thing under lock and key any time it isn't in your hands. Colleges are a big target for theives looking for laptops, ipods, etc. So easy to sit in a library or coffee house waiting for someone to leave their laptop unattended while they run to the bathroom or something. bam! In the blink of an eye it's gone.

Your dorm room isn't safe either. A friend had her purse stolen out of her room when her roomie left the door open as she went down the hall to visit a friend.

Keep it locked up. The security port is for a laptop lock, most have 'em. They're not foolproof but they'll slow down the casual theif.

Don't forget network security. Antivirus, antispyware, good firewall program. Especially if you're on the campus network either wired or wireless.

And while you're at it, check into insurance riders to protect your loss if you do become a victim.

-- Lew

 

Thanks, Lew. I'll take that advice!

 

My loaded Inspiron 8200 got stolen a year ago in my office when I went to the bath room. Now I got a Belkin lock and chain it to my desk. Don't just get a cheap notebook lock like those from geeks.com. Try to get one with a cable with 1/4" caliber. My Belkin one uses a regular lock, but a digital lock would be more convenient.

 

Bios and startup passwords have been around since... well, forever.

Ussually they can be bypassed by a jumper on the motherboard.

 

Not really, but they can be reset by discharging. Some motherboard has a jumper for discharging. The same can be down by removing the battery and wait for discharging or shorting the contacts for battery, however, notebook usually has the battery soldered on board.