lAptops are essential tools, housing countless important documents, images, and cherished memories. Losing them is about more than just work interruptions. Here’s what to do if the unfortunate occurs:
What should I do if my laptop is lost or stolen?
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Try to locate it using Microsoft or Apple’s Find My services. Lock it remotely and mark it as lost to safeguard your data.
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Remove it as a trusted device from services like your Apple or Microsoft account, cloud services, online shops, or other browser apps.
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Change the password for your primary accounts, such as your Apple or Microsoft account, starting with email accounts that a thief might access through password resets.
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In the UK, call 101 to report the theft to the police, providing details like the laptop’s make, model, color, and serial number.
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Reach out to your insurance provider. If you have coverage, your laptop might be included in some home contents policies.
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Inform your bank about credit cards that might have stored information on your laptop.
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Contact the laptop’s manufacturer to report the theft and request to blacklist the serial number.
What should you do immediately after getting a new laptop?
Once you acquire a replacement laptop (whether new or used), there are several precautions you can take to ensure its safety.
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Establish strong passwords or long pins that are difficult to guess. Enable and utilize face or fingerprint recognition, and ensure your laptop locks the screen after a brief period or when the display turns off.
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If not already activated, enable device encryption in the Privacy and Security Settings.
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Set up two-step verification for your Microsoft or Apple account, along with any other accounts you use.
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Activate “My Device” in the Windows 10 or 11 Security Settings or in iCloud Settings on Mac. This helps you locate a lost laptop, lock it remotely, and display a lost message to anyone who finds it.
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Regularly back up your data. On Windows, you can use Windows Backup to save files and settings, or utilize Microsoft’s OneDrive Cloud Service (5GB free). For Macs, use Time Machine to back up to an external drive, and sync iCloud with apps and files (5GB free). Alternatively, copy files to an external drive but ensure sensitive documents are encrypted before backup.
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Store important documents in the cloud. Microsoft and Apple offer cloud services, but there are numerous alternatives, including Google Drive, Dropbox, and Proton Drive.
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Keep your proof of purchase secure, and remember your laptop’s color, model number, and serial number.
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Consider insuring your laptop under your home contents policy. You may need to add it to a list of high-risk or high-value items, especially when leaving home. Alternatively, seek dedicated laptop or gadget insurance, which often includes theft protection.
Source: www.theguardian.com
