Security Devices

Because your Tablet PC is so portable, it might just choose to get up and leave with a little help from someone else. There are numerous ways to protect your Tablet PC from thieves and intruders. Listed below are a few options.

Theft-Prevention Devices

There are several ways to protect your Tablet PC from theft. One of the most common is to use a cable lock that ties into your Tablet PC's security slot. It then connects to a heavy object, like a piece of furniture, to protect from theft. There are also alarms and security lockers available. One alarm I'd recommend is the Targus DEFCON 1.

Targus DEFCON 1 Security Alarm

The Targus DEFCON 1 is a great way to protect your Tablet PC and other items from tampering or theft. With its motion sensor, unless you unlock it, the alarm will set off a 95 dB alarm to alert you of the intrusion.

The Targus DEFCON 1 can protect your Tablet PC and belongings from theft and tampering.

Special Features:	Motion sensor, uses security slot on Tablet PC, alarm
Where to Buy:	Electronics and computer stores

Data Access Protection

Protecting from physical theft is one thing, but what about protecting your Tablet PC from someone who just wants your data? There are several ways to protect yourself from data theft, including security cards, password generators, and biometric (fingerprint and retinal scan) devices. Fortunately, the Windows XP operating system is built for data protection, unlike the Windows 9x and Me operating systems. This means that with the appropriate security access, your Tablet PC can be hardened against prying eyes.

Caution

It is crucial that you at least consider access and data protection. Your files and the work they represent are at jeopardy. At the minimum, you should read Chapter 11, "Keeping Your Data Safe and Synchronized."

Access Control Devices

There are numerous hardware solutions for login and data-access security, including USB keys (about the size of USB flash drives), Smart Cards, and others. Each solution requires a hardware/software combination to protect your machine. Usually, a client application is loaded onto your machine; this application looks for the hardware piece when login occurs.

What to Look For

Look for devices that work the way you want to, without providing too much of a barrier to the way you use your machine. Some Tablet PCs (such as the Acer) include a Smart Card reader, so it makes sense to use what your platform supports. If your Tablet PC does not have built-in support for security cards, you can always get a USB or PC card compatible device.

Tip

If you're interested in more information about security products for your Tablet PC, look at www.scmagazine.com, which is the Web site for Secure Computing Magazine.

Griffin Technologies SecuriKey Personal

The SecuriKey USB key protects your computer by requiring that the SecuriKey device be connected to your machine before you can access protected data. The software installs easily to let you define your levels of protection. Then it requires the same SecuriKey device to be attached when you access the secure data.

The SecuriKey USB access control device and software prevents people from accessing your data unless they havethe SecuriKey device used to encrypt your data.

Special Features:	USB-based two-factor authentication
Where to Buy:	TigerDirect.com

Biometric Devices

There are numerous biometric devices available for mobile computers, mostly based on fingerprint scanning. The intricacies involved in getting the software and hardware to work together preclude this from inclusion here, but if you want fingerprint-based security, you may want to look to manufacturers such as Precise Biometrics (www.precisebiometrics.com), or research this online. I just wanted point out that it is available if you have a need for this type of security measure.