Prevent theft or loss
Apart from succumbing to viruses and spyware, there are other ways in which you can lose your hardware and data: for example, your computer or storage media can be damaged, stolen or lost.
- Do not cover your computer or components with anything and switch off your computer when not using it to prevent possible damage through overheating (and to save electricity)
- Do not place drinks where they can be accidentally knocked over onto your computer
- Update peripheral components and storage media, which degrade over time
- Remove memory sticks from PCs or laptops when not in use and follow manufacturers' recommendations when using storage media
- Lock your door (and close the window) even if only popping out for a minute - most theft is opportunistic
- Always take any hardware and storage media with you if the alternative is leaving it in a public place, such as if going to the buffet or lavatory on a train journey
- Don't advertise that you have valuable IT equipment at home as this is an incentive to burglary
- Similarly, don't advertise when you are going on holiday or otherwise broadcast when the house is going to be empty (remember - don't give too much information away when setting your Out Of Office message)
- Plan journeys so that you don't have to rush - the most oft-cited reason for people leaving laptops and handheld devices on trains/ at the airport is that they are in a hurry
- Maintain backups so that data is not irretrievably lost
- Ensure that backups are stored away from your computer and in a secure place
Don't just ensure that all data is backed-up, but also ensure that all devices encrypted and/or are password protected with strong passwords so that, if stolen or lost, data on the devices cannot be easily accessed.