Upgrade column: Bullet-proof laptops

Most of us have dropped a device when charging around the world's airports or other travel hubs. Some of us have even been robbed. But, says Dell's Bob Bennett, there are precautions that can be taken.

As someone who spends a lot of time travelling, I know how reliant business travellers can become on their laptops. Besides containing vast amounts of data, notebooks are a traveller's link back to familiar ground, from providing access to email to being a webcam connection to family and friends.

However, as mobile working becomes increasingly popular, it becomes all the more important to consider options for keeping laptops secure. Network security for wireless devices is a key consideration but there are also a number of simple physical measures that will help keep your laptop safe and sound when you're on the go.

Before choosing which security methods to employ, consider the amount of confidential data you are carrying on your device. Although it may be important to have it all to hand, as a safety precaution it may be wiser to split storing this information between your laptop and external storage such as a USB key.

Also, I would suggest you consult your IT department on any security policies which outline the kind of information you are required to keep on the corporate server and what you are permitted to remove via laptop or USB key.

One of the most common security-related failings is poor password management. Someone using key-logging software could easily get access to personal information and crack your password, leaving your machine vulnerable. However, effective password management can make information harder to access even if your notebook falls into the wrong hands, so make yours as robust as possible. Mix character types and, if possible, use different passwords for each application. If juggling several passwords seems too much of a challenge, consider getting a notebook with biometric fingerprint reading capabilities or a smartcard reader.

Other hardware security features could include BIOS passwords or tracing technologies. One example is Computrace, a laptop security and tracking software that deters laptop theft and can help recover stolen computers. Embedded in the BIOS, Computrace notifies you when a stolen or missing machine is connected to the internet and sends a signal alert indicating the location of the equipment. This advanced data protection technology can even be used to remotely wipe sensitive information in the event that your notebook is lost or stolen.

Alternatively, consider wirelessly accessing data directly from your company's server rather than carrying it around on your laptop . If that's not a viable option, remember to back up and synchronise all the critical information from your laptop and USB keys to your network when you're back in the office – that way, just in case either is damaged or lost, you won't lose irreplaceable business information.

There are many precautions you can take to ensure the safety and security of your laptop when you're on the go. Make sure you implement the ones that best suit your needs so you can make the most of wireless working, worry-free.

Bob Bennett is Latitude brand manager at Dell UK.

Upgrade is atlarge.com's soapbox for all users. Got more to say than would fit in a regular Rating? Fancy yourself as a travel or tech writer? Pitch your ideas to enquiries@atlarge.com.