How to select a secure notebook computer to protect your company’s data

Working with notebooks on the move goes without saying in many companies today. The more mobile data becomes, the higher the risk of data loss, be it through theft or external influences on the hard drive, such as severe shocks, vibrations, or falls. Data security is therefore becoming an increasingly important factor for business clients when purchasing notebooks.

Data security

Effective access control for the data stored on the notebook is fundamentally important for data security. A contactless SmartCard reader is recommended in this case, which, in combination with a traditional SmartCard and a fingerprint reader, makes unauthorised access to data extremely difficult. A password protection is not sufficient.

Many customers think that because they have a password nobody can get the data. But it is actually just to move the hard disk drive into another computer and all the files on that hard drive can be easily read. For that reason it is good to encrypt the hard drive. Hard drives with data encryption offer increased data security, i.e., the right password is required for data access.

Additionally, a hardware-based security solution can store passwords, biometric data, templates, and security codes within the firmware (a device’s internal controls) and thereby protect the notebook from attacks. This means that the data is not stored on the hard drive as is normally the case, but within a ‘shielded room’, which is isolated from the operating system.

To prevent data loss, the notebook also has to be designed to be robust. Computers that are exposed to a great deal of stress, such as vibrations, are at risk. Buyers should ask about the materials used in the frame and the type of hinges used.

A tough magnesium alloy frame, for example, is more likely to be durable. Solid state drives (flash data storage) are also gaining in importance in this field. They are not only faster and quieter than traditional hard disk drives, they are also considerably more robust (up to 3 times more robust).

Backup and recovery

One fundamental requirement for the prevention of data loss, in the case of a system failure or a hard drive crash for example, is of course a backup and recovery solution implemented across the company as well as regular secure storage of data saved on mobile devices.

A commen issue is that everbody knows the need for backup but nobody back ups at regular intervals. So implementing a automatic solution together with a server sound maybe complicated but does not take that long if proper help is acquired with the purchase. Furthermore, up-to-date antivirus and security software must be installed on all mobile devices at all costs.

Summary: The security and protection of data must play a key role in the decision to purchase notebooks today, not least because of new legislative provisions, such as data protection guidelines, the high number of data protection scandals, and the increased risk of becoming a victim of fraud.