Is your data safe on your or your employee's computer outside office? In all probability, the answer is no! In a survey conducted by Ponemon Institute (2007) reveals that 81% companies lose one or more than one laptop with sensitive information during the previous year.

Every time you leave the office with the laptop, companies’ information is at risk.

This is what you can do to minimize risk:

1.Backup your data before taking the same on your laptop.

2.Encrypt your data, so that even if it falls in wrong hand, your data cannot be misused. Recent operating systems like Vista already have this feature inbuilt. Mac and Linux also have this feature.

3.Make sure you use a strong password for system log on. This will give enough resistance and indirectly secure your data. Use passwords of at least eight characters, mixed with numbers, one or more special characters and alphabets in caps and small.

4.Many times you will find courtesy computers in hotel conference centers, never use those. Many a times these are affected with malware and keystroke logger. Avoid using free WiFi networks for sensitive work; it exposes your computer to threat.

5.Instead of saving sensitive information on your laptop, use a memory stick or external hard drive. This way, even if the laptop is stolen, your data is safe.

6.Consult with IT security organizations / experts and create a security policy for your organization and stick to this, the rule should be applicable to everyone, including the top brasses.

7.Make sure you have your laptop OS updated and antivirus / anti malware / anti spyware / internet security / firewall installed before using it outside.

8.Insure it. It helps you to cover the hardware cost at least.

9.Educate everyone in the organization, on the security issues. Remember only when they are convinced that they will follow it religiously.

10.Consider using data level security, like password-protect your documents.

The writer is CEO and co-founder of Apex Division, a Kolkata-based IT company.

Disclaimer: Statements and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the author and not of www.bizxchange.in