Awareness Campaign - Computer Security 101
Laptop Theft
If your laptop is visible, it’s vulnerable, and thieves aren’t always discriminating if they sense an opportunity. Even if your computer isn’t actually stolen, it’s easy for someone to use it to quickly engage in illegal activity they would rather not have traced to them, like sending spam or launching an attack on other systems. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that you always keep your laptop in a secure location. Never leave it where someone could take it, or use it when you aren't looking.
Question 6. Which of the following statements is true?
| A | It’s okay to leave your laptop on the front seat of your car as long as the car is locked. | |
| B |  | You should lock your laptop out of sight if you’re throwing a party, even if you’re only expecting a few people. |
| C | You can leave your laptop on a table in the library for a minute while you search for a book, as long as there isn’t anyone around who looks too suspicious. | |
| D | Your laptop isn’t the latest and greatest, so probably no one would want to steal it anyway. |
Because laptops are easily concealed and easily sold, laptop theft is a serious problem.
Even if your computer isn’t stolen, any computer that has an active connection to the Internet is attractive to people who want to engage in illegal activity they would rather not have traced to them. It’s easy for someone to use your computer to quickly send spam or launch an attack on other systems.