1:12 p.m., Oct. 27, 2009----During National Cyber Security Awareness Month, University of Delaware Information Technologies (IT) has reminded faculty, students and staff about the importance of being aware of threats to the security of the computers we use and the information stored on them.

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“We want the campus community to remember that the topics we have raised this month are important all year long,” Scott Sweren, the University's Information Security Officer, said. “This week, we are reminding people to keep their laptop computers secure.”

Sweren said that UD's Department of Public Safety includes laptop security in many of the talks given by its community relations officers.

According to Cpl. Diana Palladino, University Public Safety, the community presentations include these five points:

• Never leave your laptop unattended in a public setting;
• Treat your laptop like it's cash;
• Lock your laptop to your desk (with a laptop lock and cable system), and lock your doors;
• Record the make, model, and serial number of your laptop; and
• Consider purchasing and installing laptop recovery software (e.g., zTrace Gold, Lojack for Laptops).

“Laptops are popular items for thieves. They are small, portable and re-sellable,” she said. “Don't make it easy for the thieves.”

According to Public Safety's Laptop Security brochure, stolen computers have been recovered because people have used UD's Operation Identification -- recording the make, model, and serial number with Public Safety -- or have used laptop recovery software.

To request copies of Public Safety's Laptop Security brochure, contact them at 831-2222 or via their Web site.

Sweren added that for several years, IT and Public Safety have been telling new students about laptop security during Delaworld 101. “IT and Public Safety both tell the students things like, 'Protect what's yours; lock your doors; and don't use your laptop bag to hold a seat in a dining hall.' Faculty and staff should heed these common sense messages as well,” he said.

Everyone should remember that protecting a computer against theft, “protects not just the computer, but also protects the information stored on that computer,” he said.

Related information

• National Cyber Security Month at the University of Delaware
• UD marks National Cyber Security Awareness Month
• Protecting personal, non-public information critical to UD's mission
• What CAN you do with copyrighted material?
• At UD, protecting confidential information is everyone's business