Physical security for your computers & mobile devices

Portable devices such as laptops are particularly vulnerable to theft, loss, and resale, and should be properly secured with a lock. Most laptops and desktop computers have built-in slots made to connect with a cable lock. These locks are available at most computer stores.

The general recommendations for physical security are the same for all devices, particularly smaller devices like laptops, hard disks, smartphones, music players, and flash drives:

• Never leave your laptop or small devices unattended, even for a moment, even in your office. Most laptops are stolen from their owner's office, while the owner is at a quick break or meeting.
• If you must leave your laptop in a car, stow your bag in the trunk before you reach your destination, so potential thieves don't see you. Make sure your car is locked.
• Use a low-key shoulder bag, briefcase, or backpack for your laptop. Avoid expensive bags that scream, "Laptop inside!"
• Do not leave portable electronic equipment unattended when traveling.  Monitor it closely while checking in at an airport or hotel counter and while passing through airport security checkpoints.  If you must leave the equipment briefly unattended in a hotel room, secure it to a desk or table with a cable lock or keep it in a hotel provided safe if available. 
• If you are going out for coffee or lunch, lock your gear in a desk or an office that can be locked. Or, at least purchase and use a laptop cable lock.
• When traveling by air, bring the portable IT equipment with you on the airplane as a carry-on.  Do not place it in checked luggage.
• All laptops should be set to require a user password to log on to the computer.
• Configure your Macintosh or Windows screensaver to require a password.
• If you have a multifunction printer (MFP) or multifunction device (MFD) that incorporates the functionality of multiple devices (e.g., printer, scanner, photocopier, fax, email) used to manage unencrypted Yale 2-Lock or 3-Lock data, please visit the Multifunction Printer Security and Compliance & Multifunctional Device (MFD) hardening standards website for more information.
• It’s always a good idea to secure a laptop to a desk or table with a cable lock, even at home.

Secure the locations of mobile devices as well, and remember access control procedures:

• Regularly review people who have key, swipe, PIN card access to your work area.
• Change PINs regularly, and remove unneeded access privileges when people leave their positions.
• Know who has access to enable/disable fire doors.
• Provide locks on each office in your area, not just the general area.
• Create procedures to coordinate physical security options for buildings not owned by the University.

Lost/stolen electronic media or computing device

If you need to report lost or stolen electronic media or a computing device please complete our lost/stolen form and send it to security@yale.edu.

Specific recommendations for:

• Desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• Cell phones & smartphones
• Storage devices
• Multifunctional Device (MFD) (printer/photocopier/fax/scanner)

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Related topics

• Secure disposal or repurposing of computing devices
• Glossary & A-Z index

Related University Policies & Procedures

• Yale computing security & access policies & procedures
• Procedure 1610 - Disposal of Obsolete Computers and Peripherals
• Multifunction Printer Security and Compliance & Multifunctional Device (MFD) hardening standards