Losing a company laptop or having it stolen can be a stressful situation, but with the right measures in place, you can minimize the risk to your business. Here are some key steps to take and preventive measures to implement to protect your data and mitigate potential damage.

Immediate Steps to Take

When a laptop is lost or stolen, swift action is critical to minimize the potential risks. From protecting sensitive data to tracking the device, knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your company’s information. Below are detailed actions to address such incidents effectively.

#1. Report the Incident

Inform your IT department or managed service provider as soon as possible. Quick action can help limit the potential exposure of sensitive data.

#2. Attempt to Locate the Device

Use location tracking software (e.g., Find My Device on Windows or Find My Mac on macOS) to determine its last known location. If the device is found within reach, take precautions to retrieve it safely.

If the laptop is stolen, file a police report and provide the necessary details, including the serial number of the laptop.

#3. Lock the Device Remotely

Many operating systems and device management solutions allow you to lock the device remotely to prevent unauthorized access, referred to as endpoint management systems.  Partnering with an MSP will provide you with access to these systems. 

Some examples include:

• Microsoft Intune-A cloud-based service that provides device management capabilities, including remote lock and wipe options for Windows devices.
• Jamf Pro – A management solution specifically for Apple devices that supports remote locking and other security features.
• Google Workspace Admin Console– Allows administrators to remotely lock and secure Chromebooks and other connected managed devices.
• Prey Project – A cross-platform tool that enables remote locking, tracking, and data deletion.
• Ivanti – An enterprise-grade solution offering remote locking, data encryption, and device tracking.
• Apple’s Find My Mac – Integrated into macOS, this feature allows users to lock their device remotely via their iCloud account.

#4. Initiate Remote Data Deletion

If you’re unable to recover the laptop and it contains sensitive information, use remote wipe tools to delete data from the device. This capability should be pre-enabled as part of your company’s device management policy.

#5. Change Account Passwords

Reset passwords for all accounts that may have been accessed from the lost or stolen device. Instruct employees to use strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

#6. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

Keep an eye on account activity and login attempts to detect any unauthorized access.

Preventive Measures To Take

These preventive measures not only make your company’s laptops less vulnerable to compromise but also simplify data recovery if a device is lost or stolen. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your organization remains secure and resilient in the face of such incidents.

• Password Protect or Enable Biometrics – Enable a password or your thumbprint to lock and unlock your laptop screen. 
• Encrypt Your Drives – Ensure all company laptops have encrypted drives using tools such as BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS). Encryption ensures that data remains inaccessible without the correct credentials.
• Implement Endpoint Security Solutions – Implement tools like Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) to maintain control over company devices. Your MSP will be able to assist you with this.
• Establish Clear Policies – Create a policy for reporting lost or stolen devices and ensure employees are aware of the steps they need to follow.
• Regular Backups – Schedule automated backups to ensure critical data is saved securely and easily restored if the device is lost.
• Train Employees – Provide training on best practices for handling company devices, including how to safeguard them in public places and what to do in case of loss.
• Use Physical Security Tools – Encourage the use of physical locks for laptops, especially in high-risk environments such as airports or co-working spaces.

Conclusions

A lost or stolen laptop doesn’t have to result in a catastrophe if your company is prepared. Proactive measures like encryption and device management and an incident response plan, can protect sensitive data and maintain business continuity. Ensure your employees are trained and your policies are up-to-date to stay ahead of potential risks.

Why Choose Horn IT?

Effective endpoint management is the backbone of a thriving digital workplace. With our Endpoint Management services, your organization can unlock powerful advantages that drive success:

• Unleash Peak Performance – Our strategic configuration and seamless deployment ensure your endpoints operate at maximum efficiency, boosting productivity across your operations.
• Increase Your Security – Stay ahead of cyber threats with proactive patch management and cutting-edge security solutions designed to protect your endpoints from vulnerabilities.
• Gain Total Control – Our comprehensive asset management and real-time visibility make it effortless to track, manage, and optimize your entire inventory of devices.
• Save Time and Money – Proactive monitoring and efficient management dramatically reduce downtime, slashing support costs while keeping your business running smoothly.

Contact us to help you transform your endpoint management into a competitive advantage.