ProTech Networks Inc.

Have You Ever Lost Your Laptop Computer While Rushing to Catch a Flight?

Mobile workers demand access to information no matter where they travel. However, this mobility is putting them at risk of having a data breach if a laptop containing sensitive information is lost or stolen. According to the study, which examined losses at 106 of the U.S.’s largest airports, the top 36 “Class B” airports averaged 286 lost laptops PER MONTH. That is one laptop lost every 2.6 hours at these airports!

The study also found that only 33% of the laptops that were lost and found in the airport were reclaimed.   Think about that statistic – two thirds of the laptops reported lost or stolen are never recovered! 

And 53% of business travelers surveyed in the study said that their laptops contained confidential or sensitive information.   As a result, there are potentially MILLIONS of files containing sensitive or confidential data that may be accessible to a large number of airport employees and contractors.    How does that make you feel about the security of your data? 

There are some simple steps that you should take to avoid becoming a statistic: 

1. Properly label your laptop with your full contact information, so that airport personnel can contact you immediately if you do lose your laptop.  
2. Think twice about the information that you carry on your laptop – think about the worst case scenario, where your laptop gets into your competitor’s hands.  
3. Lastly, protect yourself and the data on your laptop by taking appropriate security measures, such as properly encrypting and backing up your data.