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Protecting Your Laptop from Fires, Floods, and Drops

19 Mar 07

Laptop security — it's not just viruses and worms

Laptops are everywhere in today's mobile society. Although we tend to think of them as just desktop computers that we can carry around wherever we go, their very portability brings additional security concerns that we don't have to worry about with our desktop computers.

Computerworld recently featured an article about a Dell laptop left plugged in and recharging — on a living room couch. The owners went to work and came back to find their family home completely destroyed. Such a fire might seem like an extreme situation or rare occurrence, but it serves as a valuable reminder of a laptop's physical vulnerabilities.

Along with practicing the same security precautions on your laptop as you do on your desktop computer (installing anti-virus/anti-spyware software, operating system updates, and so forth), we all need to practice caution when handling our portable devices:
  • Never use a soft surface (such as a bed, couch or pillow) as a desktop when using or recharging your laptop. The heat it generates cannot escape, which creates a fire hazard.

  • Don't let the battery become too hot — by leaving it in your car in the hot sun, for example. Overheating can degrade a battery and shorten its life.

  • Be careful not to drop your battery pack. If it is badly damaged it could catch fire.

  • Watch out when using liquids near your laptop. Spilled coffee or soda can really ruin your day (and your data).

  • Handle your laptop bag carefully. A hard knock can mean an expensive repair or worse.

  • Of course, never leave your laptop unattended. Consider PC PhoneHome software, locks, and engraving to assist in recovery efforts if your laptop is stolen.
Joel Rosenblatt
Columbia Information Security Office

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