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Intel’s study of notebook security has revealed that lost and stolen laptops cost companies an average of nearly $50,000.  This is because the value of the computer includes the data it held as well as the device itself.

A senior executive’s notebook is valued at $28,449 while a director or manager’s is worth around $60,000.  Thousands of laptops are left behind in taxis and planes and are stolen from airports and transit hubs each year.

Poison Pill

While the most obvious way to cut down on laptop loss is for owners to simply be more careful, data encryption can prevent confidential info from falling into the wrong hands.
Intel has developed technology that plants a “poison pill” on a laptop which can be triggered by a remote server if the laptop is lost or stolen.  It locks the computer, making it useless.

“I’m right here!” says misplaced notebook

Another interesting anti-theft technology is LoJack.  Used for years in cars, there is also a version for laptops and it works in much the same way.  Once installed and activated, if the laptop is stolen, the owner calls in and notifies LoJack.  As soon as the thief goes online, LoJack can trace their location and recover the laptop.  They can also wipe the hard drive at the owner’s request.

Have you ever lost your laptop or had it stolen? Tell us about it!

Read [CNet]