1. Never leave your laptop unattended.
Chances are, when you ask a stranger to “watch my laptop while I use the restroom,” that that’s exactly what they’re going to do. They’re going to watch the display as they take notes on any personal information you may have left onscreen.
Basically, if you’re in a public place, never let your laptop out of your sight, even if that means taking it to the restroom with you.
2. Use a security screen
A security screen is basically just a shaded piece of film you snap onto your laptop. It blocks light in such a way that you can easily see the display if you’re sitting a couple of feet directly in front of the laptop, but as such that you cannot see the monitor at all from a few inches to the left or right. In other words, only the actual user can make out what’s onscreen, and anyone who likes reading over people’s shoulders will have to go find someone else to bother.
Many laptops these days have a security filter built right in, but if not, you can probably buy a security screen for the money you have in your pocket right now. As an added bonus, security screens also work to reduce the glare from the sun or from bright indoor lighting.
3. Discourage theft
There are a bunch of little tricks you can use to discourage theft of a laptop. Even if you watch your laptop like a hawk, a shiny new MacBook is a great way to lure thieves out of hiding. Remember, if your laptop is stolen, so too is all of the information it contains.
Try carrying your laptop in a regular book bag or messenger bag, as opposed to one of those beautiful laptop cases. Lock it in the trunk when you leave it in the car; don’t just drop it on the front seat. You could also take a note from guitarists. Have you ever known a guitarist who didn’t put a bunch of stickers all over his guitar case? If a thief sees a shiny new guitar next to one covered with stickers, he’ll take the shiny new one.
Stay up to Date
The sad fact is that much of what you’ve read above may be somewhat out of date by the time you read this. The viruses are getting smarter, and so is the anti-virus software. There will always be some new development in computer viruses and how to combat them, so just make sure to stay up to date and know from what you’re protecting yourself.
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