Secure your laptop

If you know anyone who has ever had their laptop stolen, "fumingly-infuriated" is a phrase that can’t begin to describe their emotions.

Beware would-be thieves! Companies are now implementing more security measures to ensure that their hardware is safe.

By overwhelming customer request, Vector Networks has introduced the new Vector Asset Locator (VAL) which adds RFID tags to notebook computers and other hardware so the IT department can physically locate and track them.

Depending on how the system is set up, IT would be alerted within seconds when a notebook is moved by an unauthorized user or leaves a location without approval. An alert would also go off if the RFID tag is removed.

Between hardware, software and employee time to restore data – Gartner estimates a single stolen laptop can cost an organization more than $6,000. Of course, the cost goes up depending on the sensitive nature or value of content lost. It looks like a $5 RFID tag isn’t such a bad idea for a safeguard after all.