Experiencing the theft of your laptop can be distressing not only due to the need to replace an expensive device but also because it exposes you to digital security risks. However, there are measures you can implement to safeguard yourself before and after your laptop disappears. Continue reading to discover ways to fortify yourself against the threat of laptop theft, how to file a report in the event of theft, and methods for safeguarding your digital assets.

PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE LAPTOP THEFT

While no one anticipates their laptop being stolen, it can happen to anyone. It's crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard yourself and your sensitive data while you still have your laptop. These steps will make recovering from a theft much easier. Specifically, you should:

Secure Your Data 

Encrypting your hard drive is an effective way to protect your sensitive information, such as saved passwords and credit card details, even if someone gains physical access to your laptop.

For Windows users, setting up BitLocker (go.pcworld.com/btlr) is a quick process that encrypts your drive. You'll need to choose a password to access your data, so be sure to follow standard password guidelines (go.pcworld.com/pswp). Above all, avoid writing the password on a sticky note and placing it on your laptop.

If you're considering third-party software, you can download Absolute Home & Office (go.pcworld.com/hmof; formerly LoJack for Laptops). Besides encrypting your drive, this software simplifies additional security measures discussed in this article, such as tracking your laptop's location and remotely deleting your data.

Maintain an up-to-date backup. It's important to routinely safeguard your data to prevent permanent loss in case of laptop theft or any other unforeseen events. Even if theft isn't a worry, various factors could lead to data loss or corruption. Explore our guides for optimizing your data backup process: the top backup software for Windows (go.pcworld.com/ bbkp) and premier online backup services (go.pcworld.com/bons).

Activate the tracking feature on your laptop.  

It's essential to have it enabled so that in case of theft, you can locate and lock your device. For Windows 10 users, this function is referred to as Find My Device, while macOS users can utilize Find My. To set up Find My Device on Windows, ensure your laptop is logged into a Microsoft Account and that location services are activated.

To enable this feature—prior to any potential theft—navigate to the Start Menu located in the bottom-left corner of your desktop, then select Settings. Within the Settings screen, proceed to Update & Security. Click on "Find my device" in the sidebar, then select Change, and toggle the slider to the On position beneath "Save my device's location periodically.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR LAPTOP IS STOLEN

In the unfortunate event that your laptop is stolen, swift action is crucial. Follow these steps: 

1. Locate and secure your laptop.

2. Inform the authorities.

3. Safeguard your personal data.

To locate your stolen laptop, utilize the Find My Device feature if it's enabled. Visit the devices page on Microsoft's website and access the Find My Device tab. Select your laptop and initiate the search. If successful, Microsoft will display a map pinpointing your laptop's location. Capture a screenshot for your records.

To protect your data, select your laptop on the map and choose the Lock option. This will restrict access until you unlock it, which will require signing into your Microsoft account.

After securing your laptop, report the theft to the authorities promptly.

Report the theft to the police, either by visiting your local police department or filing a theft report on their website. Once your report is approved, request a copy and make a note of the case number, assigned officer, and station's phone number for other authorities, such as your insurance provider and laptop manufacturer.

Notify your bank immediately to freeze your cards and prevent access to your online accounts, especially if your credit card information is stored on your laptop. This precaution should be taken regardless of whether your hard drive was encrypted, as it's better to err on the side of caution. Your bank will assist in monitoring your accounts for any suspicious activity, and it's advisable to keep a vigilant eye on your bank statements in the following months.

If you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, file a claim for the stolen laptop, ensuring you have a copy of the police report handy for your insurance company's request. However, note that homeowner's and renter's insurance typically cover theft of personal property, so if the stolen laptop belongs to your employer, contact them to discuss potential replacement options.

Contact your laptop manufacturer by checking their website for a hotline dedicated to reporting stolen devices. Provide them with your laptop's serial number, and they will flag it in their system. In case the thief contacts tech support or attempts to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will notify the authorities.

3. Safeguard Your Personal Information

As evident from the scenario of a stolen laptop, the exposure of your data to risk is  imminent. Follow these steps to ensure your protection:

- Erase Your Data: If your lost device maintains an internet connection, you may have the option to remotely erase its contents. For macOS users with the Find My feature enabled, marking the device as lost enables remote erasure, akin to the process outlined above. This action also initiates device locking and deactivates Apple Pay. Windows users who have previously installed the Absolute Home & Office software suite can utilize it for data wiping.

• Extra Caution Upon Recovery: Should you be fortunate enough to retrieve your laptop, it's advisable to perform another data wipe. This precautionary measure guards against potential spyware installation that could facilitate remote data access. Ensure thorough data deletion; simply moving files to the trash is insufficient. 
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Update your passwords

Access your online accounts and update your passwords. It's essential to do this for all accounts you can recall accessing from your laptop, with particular attention to email, bank logins, social media, and other important profiles. When updating passwords, ensure not to sync and update the autofill function to avoid updating passwords on your missing laptop.

If you utilize a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Dashlane, you can remove and uninstall all passwords synced with your lost laptop. (Ensure this is set up in advance).

Turn off autofill and clear browsing data

After changing passwords, clear  your browser data, including autofill settings and browsing history.

For Chrome users, you can do this remotely by accessing the browser menu (click the three dots in the top-right corner), select Auto-fill Passwords, then toggle the Auto Sign-in slider to off.

Deauthorize accounts and devices

For Google account users, remotely sign out of Chrome to deauthorize your device. Firefox and Safari also allow remote sign-outs.

Apple laptop users can remotely log out of any device signed in with their Apple ID. Additionally, disable auto-sync between linked devices to prevent sensitive information from syncing to the missing laptop.

Discovering your laptop has been stolen can be distressing, but don't panic. While there's no guarantee of recovery, staying composed and acting swiftly increases the likelihood of safeguarding your data and minimizing potential consequences. 

If recovery isn't feasible, refer to our guide to the best laptops to assist in selecting your next device.