- Remote Laptop Security
Remote Laptop Security (RLS) is a security measure that allows a user to control access to
files on acomputer even if it has been lost or stolen. The user in charge chooses which files he or she wants to safeguard using RLS software. Desired files are converted and encrypted in order to prevent unwanted access. In the case of a loss or theft of a laptop, access to secured files on the stolen machine is denied. Until recently RLS solutions required stolen laptops to be connected to theInternet , however a new breed of RLS tools such as BackStopp use mobile phone technology and are not reliant onInternet or WiFi connections.RLS software periodically authenticates the identity of the user. When access to files on a certain computer is deactivated, that computer will no longer pass the
authentication process. Depending on thesoftware , some programs authenticate the user’s identity whether he or she is connected to theInternet or not.Remote Laptop Security is useful for individuals, as well as businesses dealing with medical records, insurance accounts, legal cases, customer data and other confidential client files.
Alternatives to Remote Laptop Security
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Full Disk Encryption
*Pre-boot authentication
*Single Sign-On External links
* [http://www.essentialsecurity.com/Documents/article18.htm 3 Ways To Protect Your Laptop] - tips for laptop security and information about RLS
* [http://www.privacyrights.org Privacy Rights Clearinghouse] - nonprofit consumer information and advocacy organization
* [http://www.http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft Federal Trade Commission] - ID theft information and resources
* [http://labmice.techtarget.com/articles/laptopsecurity.htm LabMice.net Laptop Security Guidelines for IT Professionals] - additional tips to safeguard your laptop
* [http://www.cpppe.umd.edu/Bookstore/Documents/2005CSISurvey.pdf 2005 CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey] - statistics and information about computer crime
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