Accessing the internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot can be an invitation for hackers to access data on employee laptops. Weak security also can allow hackers to use an employee’s laptop as access point to company networks and cloud storage.
Convenience Becomes A Priority
Firewalls, secure proxy services and anti-virus software are great, but often humans are the weak link in the corporate security chain. Out of a desire for convenience, employees often leave their computers on and vulnerable for anyone to walk up and access them.
Entering a long password every time a user walks back from getting coffee or from attending a meeting can be a pain. Employees often disable log-in requirements on their workstations. Trying to remember a long, complicated password that changes every quarter is too much to ask of many workers.
Authentication Solution
For those remote workers who take their laptops to public places or hotels, the possibility of someone else gaining physical access to the computer is even greater than in a secure office.
Gatekeeper 2.0 can help enhance laptop security for enterprises in office situations and for remote workers. With the USB lock connected to the laptop and the Gatekeeper key fob linked via Bluetooth 4.0, the computer will automatically lock when the user’s key fob is out of range of the laptop.
The laptop security lock allows users to set the locking range of the Gatekeeper. When users walk back near the laptop, it automatically will unlock. Users also can set a PIN through the Gatekeeper software. They will have to enter the PIN to unlock the laptop as a second form of authentication.
The convenience of Gatekeeper can make it more likely employees to will obey proper security procedures in the office and remotely. There also is an app for iPhone and Android devices that allows Gatekeeper users to track the key fob on their keychain. No more lost keys.
The Gatekeeper 2.0 osts $50 in the U.S., which includes free shipping. There are discounts for enterprises.
Remote Network Security
Remote workers accessing the internet from their laptop in a public place or hotel through an open Wi-Fi hotspot can help make their data secure by using a virtual private network.
Trusting all the passengers on a plane and the in-flight Wi-Fi provider to avoid accessing the data on a workers laptop is naive. A VPN might make surfing a little slower, but it can be worth the sacrifice. Combined with a laptop security lock, a VPN is sure to ruin a hacker’s day.
