Realtors® don’t stand still. And whether it’s the office, the car, an open house or a closing, you probably have your laptop with you. You count on it for your customer database, contracts, listings, e-mail and a multitude of other business needs. But, how secure is your laptop? What would you do if it was stolen, lost or the hard drive crashed? Would you be able to conduct business as usual?  Below are some friendly suggestions for laptop security. 

1) Backup your data to an external device such as flash drive, CD, memory card, etc. This should become a normal part of your routine. Make two copies. Store one in a safe place and keep the other with you while you’re away from the office. Files can become corrupt for many reasons. Having a backup with you may save the sale. Here’s a Hot Tip - heat can damage disks. Keeping your laptop in a hot car could damage files on your hard drive. So take it with you. 

2) Is your laptop covered by insurance in case it’s lost or stolen? Check with your insurance company. Most only cover hardware. 

3) Do you use a security cable with your laptop? Most laptops include a security lock area that you slide a security cable through and lock down to a secure object. Think about this scenario. You’re hosting an open house and you need to leave your laptop on the kitchen counter while walking prospects through the house? Do you feel safe doing that? If not, lock it down.

4) Do you have a password for your User Account, Administrator and Guest Accounts? If someone had access to your laptop, would they be able to login? Play it safe. Disable the Guest Account. 

5) So you’re out in public, a coffee shop. Are you as careful with your laptop info as you are with your Debit Card Pin number? When you use an ATM, you protect your PIN, right? Well, you need to take the same precautions with your laptop. Someone could be looking over your shoulder while you access an account. Buy a screen guard and protect yourself and your business.  

6) Do not keep personal or important information on your laptop if you take it out of the office.  Keep this type of information on external media. 

7) When traveling, never leave your computer unattended. Place it between your feet if you have to set it down. Don’t keep access numbers, passwords, etc. in your computer bag. At the airport, never check your laptop. Take it as a carry-on. And keep an eye on it while going through airport security. Most computer bags look alike. 

8) Don’t check your laptop at the front desk of the hotel. Try not to leave your laptop in your hotel room. If you must, use your security cable and place the “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door. 

9) It pays NOT to advertise! Leaving your laptop on the seat of your car is a great way to ensure someone steals it. Besides, we’ve already warned you that hot cars and laptop hard drives don’t mix. 

10) Do you have the serial number and model written down somewhere? If you lose your laptop, you’ll want this information readily available for the police and the insurance company. 

11) If you have a PDA, start every trip with synchronization. 

12) Use remote connectivity with the office rather than keeping office information on your computer.  

Common sense and the use of some easy to find security devices can help ensure your laptop will continue to serve you and your business well.