Q: How can I protect my computer from theft?
Answer
To help protect the MIT community from the loss of computers - particularly vulnerable laptops, as well as other small electronic devices - we continually review new products and services that may be of value.
Note: None of these products fall under the waiver of retention policy for equipment theft as part of the MIT Insurance Program. |
Cables and Locks
These vendors have devices which physically lock down your computer equipment to prevent a thief from walking away with it.
- AnchorPad - Santa Ana, CA - 800.626.2467. Local Representative at New England Computer Security - 339.927.4813.
- Compu-Gard - Swansea, MA - 800.333.6810
Additional Options
GovConnection carries a few anti-theft devices with discounts for the MIT community. Just visit the catalog in Ecat and search on the term "theft" to find other theft-related products. Office supply stores, such as Staples, also carry these types of products.
For a more technical solution, several companies make software that when installed on your laptop will attempt to locate it through a tracking device. The following list of these products is not supported or vetted by MIT:
- Computrace LoJack for Laptops (by Absolute Software)
- LocateMyLaptop
- LaptopLocate
- PC PhoneHome
- PC Retrieve
- Undercover (by Orbicule, for Mac OS X)