University of Michigan | ITS | Safe Computing

Protect Your Computer
and Data

Report an IT Security
Incident

Services

Sensitive Data Guide

Digital Copyright
Compliance

MDS Info

Home

Information for UM Faculty and Staff

Mobile Device Security

Physical Security

Physical protection

Tracking and recovering a stolen laptop is different than, and insufficient for, protecting the data on that laptop from unauthorized disclosure. If your primary goal is to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data, then it must be encrypted whether you use a tracking and recovery solution or not. However, physical protection should not be ignored.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices for physically securing your mobile device:

Do not leave your laptop unattended. Lock your office or lab when you leave.
Use a laptop lock in your work station, or lock it out of sight if you are traveling with it.
Be particularly cautious about keeping your laptop safe in airports and other public places..

Security Products

Vendor	Pros	Cons	Sample Sites
Cable Lock	Inexpensive. Protects against theft from casual passerby.	Can be cut.* Does not protect data.	AnchorPad Kensington Targus
Beaconing Software	Opportunity for recovering device.	Subscription based cost. Does not protect data.	PC PhoneHome
Lock Box	More Secure. Protects against theft by most criminals.	Installation. Loss of key would be inconvenient.	AnchorPad Ncase
LoJack	Easy to install. No hardware required.	Need expensive equipment to cost-justify. Does not protect data.	LoJack for Laptops

*Some cable locks have an alarm feature whereby a piercing, loud whistle will sound if the cable is severed.

Disposal

Before disposing of a computer, follow the Computer Preparation Guide from University of Michigan Property Disposition.

Don't give away or sell your computer without securely deleting all the information on your hard drive.

How to Securely Delete Files on Your Mac (PDF | HTML)
How to Securely Delete Files Using Heidi Eraser on Your PC (PDF | HTML)