Smarterware

What do you do to protect your laptop’s data on open networks and in case of theft?

Public Twitter replies to @ginatrapani's tweet:

VerbalKint: also 4 Mac: set login to "Display login window as name & pass" in sys prefs. That way at login I can use Yubikey as 2nd factor
VerbalKint: 4 physical exposure (theft, loss, tampering, etc) I use TrueCrypt entire drive encryption for my PC and FileVault on my Mac...
Annaleen: Always use SSL for logging into services. But if I'm being really paranoid, like at a hacker con, I do everything over SSH.
kwestin: http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/pc/
incanus77: I use a SOCKS proxy via my app Meerkat using an SSH account with my web host. SysPref change makes Safari use it.
declan: vpn for open networks (like the one at this hotel) and Windows protection for theft and not keeping sensitive data
norcross: I use Laptop Lock, and don't save anything 'private' directly to the machine
pfinette: On the Mac - simply use an encrypted DMG for your data. Works perfectly, is free and pretty darn secure. :)
ubuntutweets: RT: @ginatrapani I use linux (ubuntu). I also have a SSH server at hope and will use a SOX proxy through it. http://bit.ly/2Mh0kk
ChrisKubica: Thanks so much for saying "For a blog post". I was the guy who got crabby at u the other day about "disclosure" :)
pmhesse: make sure everything sensitive goes over SSL - email, web, etc. and full disk encryption - truecrypt / pgp / etc.
stevenhaddox: I have FileVault enabled for my MBP as well as utilize the iPredator VPN when I'm not on my own WPA2 network. #paranoid
halophoenix: On my PC laptop: VPN in open networks, whole disk encryption. On my Mac: VPN, FileVault. Hope I don't forget the master PW!
mattmanuel: PGP encrypt the entire hard drive to protect from theft
sarat: Aint doing anything to protect my data.I think OS and AV program should block intruders, we're paying them 4 security as well
danielzev: theft of your laptop or theft of your data?
strawp: I use https for google apps and facebook, also a heavy ssh user anyway
foltaggio: ssh tunnel
VikiTech: Something from Personal experience.Disable the feature to connect to WiFi Hot-Spots, automatically-Only manual conn's allowed.
jtimberman: https/ssl, vpn, secured proxy, encrypted data, leverage cloud services for external storage (gmail, github)
jvdgoot: Honestly? Nothing other than password-protecting my shared folders.
warrenfree: I protect my laptop with @backstopp which if I ever lost my laptop would eradicate all the data :)
k_nitin_r: I carry my laptop with the shoulder strap of the case at all times to prevent theft. I don't have a plan B though :-(
Penguirl: I use OS X FileVault on my notebook for theft security, keep firewall on and sharing services off for network security.
jimbergman: For public networks I use a firewall locked down, make sure I use https sites, and VPN home and out again if I have to.
alpha1beta: limitedly. just any important documents. homework and blogs posts who cares really. Always have backups too.
mediumguy: truecrypt - it worth visiting the site even if you don't use it for the sheer level of tech paranoia in their methods
kristibarrow: Nothing - that's prob really bad huh...
kyleslattery: I just make sure not to log into any bank sites, and I try to avoid unsecured networks.
jwithy: Re: wifi, avoid banking sites and cross my fingers. I also rarely save passwords in browsers, etc., on my laptop.
david_o_connell: Mozy for backup in case of theft..
loudandskittish: Nothing. Anyone raids my laptop, all they're going to find is evidence of how boring I am
ted_avery: I rely on Win 7's "Public" network setting, locks everyone out. Friend uses a laptop erasing/tracking prog, forget name though.
rowelld: encrypt your data!
clayben: I use TrueCrypt and have all my important work stuff on a truecrypted volume, and lock the computer with a strong password.
Heinlein_Fan: for open network just having a firewall and only putting passwords into/using SSL sites usually is enough.
Heinlein_Fan: whole disk encrypt (pgp disk, truecrypt) for theft/loss, open network can do SSH tunnel, but overkill unless truly paranoid
najeebmirza: will need more than 140 chars, drop me an email at naj@jeebz.com and I'll give you some ideas on... http://ff.im/8TuUy
najeebmirza: will need more than 140 chars, drop me an email at naj@jeebz.com and I'll give you some ideas on security :-)
hockeybrad: My protection against data loss with a laptop theft is that I use a 16Gig flash drive for all documents, settings, bookmarks.
Lauren_Hamburg: sadly...nothing :(
bithaze: Nothing, actually. Bad, I know, but it's rare I'm on a public network. Backup: Slowly implementing a NAS I built this summer.
scottgagon: Comodo personal firewall and don't leave it alone
ravik: For open networks, I've started using an ssh tunnel to my home router over port 443. Here's a guide: http://bit.ly/35wL8H
flamsmark: Though security 'tips' are legion: TrueCrypt, HTTPS, VPN, SSH, Tor, GPG; above all: don't be dumb, and use a good threat model.
patrichards: truecrypt whole drive encryption
sublimal: only store data in the cloud, ie: use a laptop as a dumb terminal
glaeven: dont send anything worth stealing on an open network. Never let your laptop out of sight. simplicity rules.
dkblinux98: to protect laptop on open networks VPN to a secure network and send Internet through the VPN. Use whole hard drive encryption.
ultrafredde: Encryption of the harddisk, firewall only allowing ssh-in with keys when neeeded - of course on a Linux/Mac laptop, no Windows.
AndreAguiar: I VPN back to my he router running dd-wrt firmware. Atleast this way my wireless connection is secure
GuyBoazy: firewall.clean websites and prayer
beeare: For security I use Hotspot Shield http://tr.im/A4ul. Don't have a plan for loss or theft :(
jcenters: Keep all private data in Truecrypt containers. Unsecured dummy account with Prey installed to track if stolen.
cronosin: In case of theft, I have a laptop lock, and for data on open networks, I just don't do anything that involves personal data.
awaddell: http://www.truecrypt.org/ for disks http://www.openvpn.net/ and Viscosity client for Mac for all traffic
dman92: Not store things on my laptop. My desktop has 2TB of storage, my laptop has 100 gb. Just use Dropbox for essentials. Encrypt.
individual8: S3
davidamcclain: "What do you do to protect your laptop's data on open networks and in case of theft?" Abstinence!
419onscene: Encrypt the HD with TrueCrypt. Use a VPN to a secure home net, Google's VPN in SF http://is.gd/3LOqw
gamefreak613: In case of theft, I use LoJack for Laptops. Data wise I back up online and encrypt what's on the HD
ninjahippie: Sensitive info encrypted with truecrypt. Network connections either SSL, IP/sec or SSH tunnel.
JGBlake: I set the firmware password (on Mac) and also keep all confidential data on a Truecrypt volume.
bobatchison: theft protection = Truecrypt whole disk & preboot encryption. Open networks I pray ;-) (or avoid)
enigma_0Z: (3) STRONG passwd http://bit.ly/2gdZiW (4) Don't lose sight of the laptop (5) watch for shoulder surfers http://bit.ly/3i7gpH
enigma_0Z: (1) use SSL anywhere possible on the web. (2) AES encrypt personal data in office documents (Built into openoffice.org)
Cheese_Rat: Keeping personal data either on the Google cloud or on my home network. Only have what I need on my portable devices.
DamianManning: in case of theft I use TrueCrypt for whole drive encryption
ttrygveRO: Have backups & hope I don't need them. Anything more is just overkill for me, though obviously not for everyone.
PabloZ: i keep the firewall on and when in doubt, i use a VPN like ipredator, or the corporate VPN in my work laptop.
triados: truecrypt whole drive... Just don't tell IT
jasontm1: Important files in an encrypted DMG. Create an alias of regularly used files outside of the dmg..will prompt for pw when needed
Phaelon74: software firewall, anti-spywware software, white listing and green zones.
talung: I use linux (ubuntu). I also have a SSH server at hope and will use a SOX proxy through it.
barleyguy: I store my documents directory on a USB key, and only insert it when I feel like it's a somewhat secure environment.
mariano_axicom: Hotspot Shield + Orbicule
01bitbybit01: Truecrypt locally, VPN for open networks. That's my theoretical answer anyway. Just got back from a 2 month roadtrip w/only G1!