Protect Your Laptop
SecurityTip: Treat your laptop like you would your wallet or purse. Keep it in your possession and block snoopers from access to it.
Laptops require even greater security precautions against theft and confidentiality breaches than desktop computers. While portability makes laptops exceptionally convenient, it also makes them more vulnerable to physical damage, theft, and information security breaches. For example, if the wireless function is enabled without applying security measures, the laptop can be exposed to viruses and other intrusions. Because laptops are so portable, they generally operate outside and beyond the campus Information Technology Services (ITS)-managed firewalls and layered virus/intrusion protection.
California Personal Information Security and Confidentiality of Medical Information Acts (commonly known as Senate Bill (SB) 1386 and Assembly Bill (AB) 1298, respectively), require the campus to notify all affected individuals when their unencrypted personal information was, or is reasonably believed to have been, acquired by an unauthorized person. If a laptop is stolen or otherwise compromised, the responsibility for notifying affected individuals resides with the responsible department or division.
Faculty and staff members using a Cal State L.A. laptop computer or their own laptop containing confidential university data assume responsibilities beyond those of a campus desktop computer user.
Other Laptop Security Tips
Select the links below for tips on securing your laptop computer.
- Implement Security Measures on New or First-Issued Laptops
- Safeguard Laptop Contents
- Secure the Wireless Laptop Connection
- Physically Safeguard the Laptop
- Secure the Laptop When Traveling
- Report Laptop Damage, Loss, Theft, and Security Breaches
For more information:
- Lost or Stolen Computer or Electronic Storage Device Report (selectn the Incident Response top on the ITS Forms web page)
- User Guidelines for Reporting a Lost or Stolen Computer or Electronic Storage Device on the Information Technology Guidelines and Policies web page