Get documents about "Laptop Theft is More than Just a Piece of
Document Sample
A Newsletter from the
Volume 3 Issue 2 October 2005
Division of Public Safety
used no security measures or surprise and enjoyment, and following
Laptop Theft is encryption of any kind on their stolen some common sense practices can
More than Just a laptops. Only 10 percent of
respondents report using a full-disk
keep events safer and more fun.
Walk, slither, and sneak on
Piece of Hardware encryption security product.
sidewalks, not in the street.
L aptop computers are most "Eighty-two percent of all our survey
Look both ways before crossing the
commonly stolen from offices, respondents claim they never street to check for cars, trucks, and
often unlocked and unattended. recovered their stolen laptop," Heard low-flying brooms.
These thefts account for nearly 30 says. "That's sensitive information
floating out there in the wrong Cross the street only at corners.
percent of all laptop losses worldwide
according to a survey by mobile data hands." Don't hide or cross the street
security provider Credant Technologies. It is important to secure your laptop at between parked cars.
"Everyone knows to guard their all times. Do not leave it unattended Wear light-colored or reflective-type
devices when they're traveling, but in an unlocked, unoccupied office. If clothing so you are more visible.
the results we found about the office you have questions on how best to
safeguard your computer or other Plan your route and share it with
were quite shocking," says Credant your family. If possible, have an adult
CEO Bob Heard. "What we valuable equipment, call the
University Police Department's crime go with you.
discovered were corporate
environments that are careless and prevention officer at 333-1216. For Carry a flashlight to light your way.
even reckless with laptops, many of information on securing the data in
your computer, speak with your Keep away from open fires and
which contain crucial company and candles. (Costumes can be extremely
personal data." network systems personnel.
flammable.)
Nearly 87 percent of respondents Another area of vulnerability for
laptop thefts is airports, including the Visit homes of friends, family, and
reported having company-related neighbors that have the porch light on.
e-mail on their stolen laptops; 67 security screening area. Always keep
percent had other important business your computer close at hand or in Accept your treats at the door and
information stored; and 90 percent view. Be certain your contact never go into a stranger's house.
reported that their stolen information is clearly displayed on the
Use face paint rather than masks or
laptop contained sensitive outside of your computer so that if it is
things that will cover your eyes.
and confidential lost, you can be notified when it is
found. Be cautious of animals and
corporate data
strangers.
that was not
intended for
public view.
Red Cross Have a grown-up inspect your
treats before eating. And don't eat
The survey also found that nearly Halloween Safety candy if the package is already opened.
Small, hard pieces of candy are a
three quarters of the stolen laptops
did not meet regulatory compliance
Tips choking hazard for young children.
requirements for data encryption,
mainly the stringent privacy
regulations dictated by Health
W ith witches, goblins, and super-
heroes descending on
neighborhoods across America, the
Insurance Portability and American Red Cross offers some
Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other safety tips to help prepare for a safe
government mandates. Twenty-one and enjoyable trick-or-treat holiday.
percent of respondents report they Halloween should be filled with
Division of Public Safety, 1110 West Springfield Avenue, (MC-240) Urbana, Illinois 61801
EDITOR: Mark Briggs, briggs1@uiuc.edu, (217) 333-4660
www.dps.uiuc.edu/iwatch.aspx
Trauma Care Division at Sydney Human Development in Bethesda,
Use Your Head University. “This research has Maryland. The results of this study
When Using Your highlighted that hands-free isn't fine,
that it does also elevate your risk of
also showed that teens were more
likely to drive dangerously if they
Cell Phone crashing."
R ecent research has shown that "The increased likelihood of crashing
people talking on cell phones was not influenced by gender, age of
while driving are four to five times the driver, or availability of a hands-
more likely to be involved in a free device," stated Dr. Suzanne
collision. Using a hands-free device McEvoy, the report's principal author.
makes no significant difference, with While the University of Illinois has no
the risk remaining the same. The formal policy related to the use of cell
study, from the University of Sydney, phones while driving, this and many lacked self-control, thought it was
was based on a survey of 400 car other studies point clearly to the acceptable to engage in deviant
crash victims. increased hazards faced while multi- behaviors, or had friends who
Governments around the world, tasking and driving. Care should be engaged in risky activities.
including Germany, Australia, several taken to make certain that you are not More than 5,000 people between 16
U.S. states, and the city of Chicago distracted while driving. As noted
and 21 die in automobile accidents
have prohibited the use of hand-held above, it is now illegal to use a hand- every year, according to data from the
cell phones while driving. However, held cell phone while driving in the city
National Highway Traffic Safety
this research suggests the ban should of Chicago. Administration. Compared with older
be widened to incorporate all use of drivers, adolescents are more likely to
cell phones while driving. Parental Rules engage in unsafe driving behaviors
"The key message here is that we such as speeding, tailgating, and
need to basically avoid using phones Linked To Safer weaving in and out of traffic.
while driving. That is what is going to
minimize your risk," said Professor
Teen Driving Students "who report that their
parents have specific rules about
Mark Stevenson, of The George
Institute's Injury Prevention and P arents can play an important role when and where they can go in the
in promoting safe driving habits in car and keep up with their daily
teens, according to the results of a activities are less likely to report a
study published recently in Health range of risky driving behaviors that
Education & Behavior. could lead to traffic violations and
"Adolescents were much more likely motor vehicle crashes or injuries,"
to drive safely when their parents says Hartos. "As with other
restricted their driving and monitored adolescent privileges, parents should
their whereabouts," says study lead establish clear expectations and place
author Jessica Hartos, Ph.D., of the limits on the behaviors of their
National Institute of Child Health and adolescents" when they learn how to
drive, according to Hartos.
