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Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security
In addition to taking precautions to protect your portable devices, it
is important to add another layer of security by protecting the data
itself.
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Why do you need another layer of protection?
Although there are ways to physically protect your laptop, PDA, or
other portable device (see Protecting
Portable Devices: Physical Security for more information), there
is no guarantee that it won't be stolen. After all, as the name
suggests, portable devices are designed to be easily transported. The
theft itself is, at the very least, frustrating, inconvenient, and
unnerving, but the exposure of information on the device could have
serious consequences. Also, remember that any devices that are
connected to the internet, especially if it is a wireless connection,
are also susceptible to network attacks (see Securing Wireless
Networks for more information).
What can you do?
- Use passwords correctly - In the process of getting to the
information on your portable device, you probably encounter multiple
prompts for passwords. Take advantage of this security. Don't choose
options that allow your computer to remember passwords, don't choose
passwords that thieves could easily guess, use different passwords for
different programs, and take advantage of additional authentication
methods (see Choosing and
Protecting Passwords and Supplementing
Passwords for more information).
- Consider storing important data separately - There are
many forms of storage media, including floppy disks, zip disks, CDs,
DVDs, and removable flash drives (also known as USB drives or thumb
drives). By saving your data on removable media and keeping it in a
different location (e.g., in your suitcase instead of your laptop
bag), you can protect your data even if your laptop is stolen. You
should make sure to secure the location where you keep your data to
prevent easy access.
- Encrypt files - By encrypting files, you ensure that
unauthorized people can't view data even if they can physically access
it. You may also want to consider options for full disk encryption,
which prevents a thief from even starting your laptop without a
passphrase. When you use encryption, it is important to remember your
passwords and passphrases; if you forget or lose them, you may lose
your data.
- Install and maintain anti-virus software - Protect
laptops and PDAs from viruses the same way you protect your desktop
computer. Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date (see Understanding
Anti-Virus Software for more information).
- Install and maintain a firewall - While always important
for restricting traffic coming into and leaving your computer,
firewalls are especially important if you are traveling and utilizing
different networks. Firewalls can help prevent outsiders from gaining
unwanted access (see Understanding
Firewalls for more information).
- Back up your data - Make sure to back up any data you
have on your computer onto a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or network (see Good Security
Habits and Real-World
Warnings Keep You Safe Online for more information). Not only will
this ensure that you will still have access to the information if your
device is stolen, but it could help you identify exactly which
information a thief may be able to access. You may be able to take
measures to reduce the amount of damage that exposure could
cause.
Authors: Mindi McDowell, Matt Lytle
Copyright 2004 Carnegie Mellon University. Terms of use
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Last
updated
October 10, 2007
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