With so many people carrying notebooks or laptops in their daily activities, it is a given that notebook theft is likely to be a larger factor in the cost of business and communication. As recently as 2005, the loss to businesses and individuals due to theft or loss of portable computers was nearly $7 million. On an average, as hardware theft or loss happens about 5 times each minute. Even with care and proper security measures, notebook theft occurs and has a huge impact on those who depend upon the portability and access to data represented by a notebook.
Portability
The key reason that many people state for carrying a notebook around is the portability. You can easily fit a notebook into a briefcase and with wireless capability, you are able to connect with all the information that you need to conduct your business, research questions for school or business projects, track data such as stock performance. You have ready access to addresses and telephone numbers or to get assistance in the event of an accident or breakdown while traveling by auto. Unfortunately, it is this portability that makes notebook theft so easy. If the device is unsecured for just a moment, it can be in the hands of a thief.
More than Hardware Loss
Notebook theft is more than just the loss of a few pounds of metal and plastic. It can represent the loss of all the information you need to travel, conduct financial transactions, operate your business or buy and sell. Many sales people keep the information for product inventory on the notebook or laptop. When the data is lost, at a minimum it will take time to reconstruct the information. If the data lost is of a critical or sensitive nature, you may be at risk of unauthorized use of the information that was stored on the notebook.
