Notebook Security Thread

[Mandrake]

There has been a recent trend of targeting the cars of notebook carriers, perhaps we can share some advice here on how to avoid being targeted and keeping a low profile.

1. Turn off your WiFi
Some notebooks even when suspended or even off might still transmit a wifi signal. If there is an switch, turn it off or you use a plugin wireless card pull it out and keep it in the bag.

Though you are not at risk of being hacked, this signal can still be detected. There are people here claiming that there are "notebook detector devices" used by the organised syndicates, these are nothing more than your common wifi detector keychains, so don't be fooled and don't be afraid, just be careful.

2. Don't use your notebook bag
Thats the most obvious sign of a notebook computer. Instead get a softcase and put your notebook in a normal backpack. If your a businessperson and need to maintain an image, then buy an expensive briefcase.

3. Don't leave it in the car
Same with any expensive item. If you must leave it, then consider having a boot safe installed.

4. Get insurance
If its a personal notebook, then you might want to get insurance against theft, even the cheapest notebook is greater than RM1K

5. The low profile

Anything else to add?

 

[gunter]

6. If u don't mind the added weight, can carry the notebook with u.
7. Take out the battery
8. Keep your notebook beforehand, not just before u leave the car

 

[psyk]

9. prankster.. put a 'bomb' in a notebook bag, triggered when it gets out of signal range(means no communication between bag and car).. notebook bag handle/strap made outta metal, connects to the 'bomb', once out of range it lets out few hundred volts of electricity, disabling the thief, then car calls owner, owner comes back with a posse and beats the crap outta the thief, then hands him over to the authorities.. ..

*imagine spreading this as an urban legend with almost true-like stories on blogs all over of such an incident.. it should somewhat scare the thieves from trying to hijack suspected cars with notebooks.. :)