Durham, New Hampshire – “Business traveler’s laptops are often targeted by thieves,” says Ted Demopoulos, president of Demopoulos Associates. When a laptop is stolen it is at least a major inconvenience and if company confidential data gets into the wrong hands the results can be truly catastrophic.

Most professionals travel at least occasionally and should take these simple steps to protect their laptop from physical theft.

· Use a locking cable and perhaps an alarm for your laptop, available at any computer store.

· Carry your laptop in something other than a laptop bag, for example a briefcase or backpack.

· Try not to leave laptops in a car. This isn’t always practical, but minimize it as much as practical. Never leave a laptop, laptop case, or briefcase in plain sight in a car.

· Watch your laptop carefully in airports and train stations! Certainly do not put it in checked luggage. Do not ignore or leave it alone for even a few seconds.

· Many laptops are stolen from businesses. If you don’t know if it’s safe to leave your laptop unattended then ask someone.

· Don’t leave your laptop or any laptop accessories visible in your hotel.

· If you take a bus or shuttle, hold on to your laptop. Don’t put it “in back” with the other luggage.

It only takes a few seconds for a thief to grab a laptop. These simple steps will help protect your laptop, your data, and your business trip from disaster!

Demopoulos Associates is a consulting firm specializing in Information Security, and IT Entrepreneurial Issues, and Business Blogging.
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