Security Concerns for the Laptop and Notebook Computer

chauffeur2 · 12-07-2006, 01:06 AM

If you wish to read the original article you can find it by clicking on this link

These articles are exceptional and Very Well Done Indeed!

This is just another fine example.
10/10!!

**carsey** · 12-09-2006, 05:36 AM

Another finely crafted article.

No problems here.

09-09-2007, 09:46 AM

I generally agree with what was written in this article, however I want to place a few comments:

If allowed to do so (private laptop owners can do so without any doubt, business owners must ask their IT-department first) use "on the fly" disk encryption with a strong password. This doesn't need to be expensive, check out "Free CompuSec"; which is also free for busines use. It supports the Windows operating systems W2K and XP and a few Linux distros.
You can read more about it, and download it from:

http://www.ce-infosys.com/english/downloads/free_compusec/index.html

Even if the hard disk would be taken out of a laptop with a "uncrackable" power on password, it still would be inaccessible unless you have the user name / password combination to decrypt the hard disk.

Do not trust to much on the power on password; in many cases the tools to 'reset' those are publicly available; the same goes for your W2K pro / XP Pro passwords (about those in Vista I am not sure... yet).

OK, so the computer's data is secured, now the physical security: A difficult issue these days when we have to separate from our equipment at security checkpoints at airports. There are excellent instructions for travelers available on the Internet (from SANS to mention but one), but there are many more places where you can get your laptop stolen. I use for instance a device in the "Defcon" range that has a flexible wire that will go through the handle of the carrying case and back to the device again. the device has a built in "motion sensor" and the flexible wire is a closed loop alarm system (if cut, 110 dB siren will draw attention to what is happening... and believe me thieves do want your laptop, but they don't want to draw the attention of nearly everyone in that place to themselves.

I have observed suspicious behaving people move away from me after I pulled out the device and linked my suitcases and carry case to the luggage trolley (those you use at airports).

One thing you can't buy, or get for free from someone else: Human Alertness! When carrying a laptop... Be Alert!!!, observe your surrounding space.

Note: I am neither associated with, nor do I have any interests in, the manufacturers I mentioned in the above.

12-07-2006, 01:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
chauffeur2 Manager Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Adelaide, South Australia Posts: 10,180 OS: Xp Sp3 with all updates + Vista™ Ultimate SP1. My System	Security Concerns for the Laptop and Notebook Computer If you wish to read the original article you can find it by clicking on this link These articles are exceptional and Very Well Done Indeed! This is just another fine example. 10/10!! __________________ Dave T. Submit New Articles If it works, Don't fix it! Especially if Bill Gates had anything to do with it!! Last edited by JohnthePilot; 01-22-2008 at 05:01 AM.

09-09-2007, 09:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
RichardIII Guest Posts: n/a OS:	Re: Security Concerns for the Laptop and Notebook Computer I generally agree with what was written in this article, however I want to place a few comments: If allowed to do so (private laptop owners can do so without any doubt, business owners must ask their IT-department first) use "on the fly" disk encryption with a strong password. This doesn't need to be expensive, check out "Free CompuSec"; which is also free for busines use. It supports the Windows operating systems W2K and XP and a few Linux distros. You can read more about it, and download it from: http://www.ce-infosys.com/english/downloads/free_compusec/index.html Even if the hard disk would be taken out of a laptop with a "uncrackable" power on password, it still would be inaccessible unless you have the user name / password combination to decrypt the hard disk. Do not trust to much on the power on password; in many cases the tools to 'reset' those are publicly available; the same goes for your W2K pro / XP Pro passwords (about those in Vista I am not sure... yet). OK, so the computer's data is secured, now the physical security: A difficult issue these days when we have to separate from our equipment at security checkpoints at airports. There are excellent instructions for travelers available on the Internet (from SANS to mention but one), but there are many more places where you can get your laptop stolen. I use for instance a device in the "Defcon" range that has a flexible wire that will go through the handle of the carrying case and back to the device again. the device has a built in "motion sensor" and the flexible wire is a closed loop alarm system (if cut, 110 dB siren will draw attention to what is happening... and believe me thieves do want your laptop, but they don't want to draw the attention of nearly everyone in that place to themselves. I have observed suspicious behaving people move away from me after I pulled out the device and linked my suitcases and carry case to the luggage trolley (those you use at airports). One thing you can't buy, or get for free from someone else: Human Alertness! When carrying a laptop... Be Alert!!!, observe your surrounding space. Note: I am neither associated with, nor do I have any interests in, the manufacturers I mentioned in the above.

12-09-2006, 05:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
carsey Moderator, TSF Articles Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Hunwick, Co. Durham England Posts: 10,671 OS: XP Pro SP3 My System	Another finely crafted article. No problems here.