Portable Device Security Options
There are several ways to physically lock down your PDA, laptop computer or other portable device. However, these security measures cannot guarantee that your device will not be stolen. The fact that these devices are portable makes them very susceptible to theft. At the very least, theft of your portable device is inconvenient and downright frustrating. At the very worst, the exposure of sensitive data could lead to serious consequences. Aside from physical theft, portable devices with wireless capability are susceptible to a wide range of network attacks. When considering their level of vulnerability, it is understandable that so many have taken an interest in portable device security options.
Portable device security is composed of many different techniques and mechanisms. Here are a few measures you can employ to keep your device safe:
Proper use of passwords: If you're the least bit security conscience about your portable device, you probably have to get through a series of password prompts before accessing data. If not, these are simple security measures you definitely need to take advantage of. When creating passwords, do not enable options that allow the system to remember your passwords. You should also create passwords that aren't easy to guess. A combination of numbers and letters may be a good option. Assign different passwords for different applications so you're not so predictable.
Store data in different places: You may want to consider storing critical data in separate locations. There are a number of storage mediums available for this from USB drives and floppy disks to CD and DVD media. By saving your information on removable media and storing it somewhere else, you can protect confidential data even if your portable device is stolen.
Encrypt your files: Encryption is a security mechanism that helps to ensure that unauthorized parties cannot access data, even if they have physical access to the associated device. Full disk encryption makes a great option for portable data security. This technology prevents an intruder from even starting your portable device without a password.
Anti-virus software: PDAs and laptops should receive the same level of security as your desktop computer. Viruses are very common on the internet and will strike if you're not protected. You can take protection one step further by implementing a solution that defends against other infections as viruses are not the only threat.
Firewall: A firewall is an essential component in portable data security. This mechanism restricts inbound and outbound traffic and also offers protection when you're traveling. When using your laptop out in public, you are liable to encounter various networks. Some of them will enable you to access the internet while others will attempt to intrude on your network. A firewall will detect the intrusion and automatically block their efforts.
Frequent data backups: This shouldn't be labeled as a portable device security option, but a cardinal rule. You should backup every piece of data onto removable storage media or a remote network location. This assures access to your data even if the device stolen. It may also help you to determine exactly what information a thief might have the ability to access.
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