Whether you’re in school, home or toting a MacBook Pro to the office everyday, security is important. Our Macs often hold valuable information, from website passwords to banking information. So let’s take a look at security on and around your computer. Then I’ll tell you a sad story and what helped me make it through the tough times of that story.

Physical Security

The first part of security for your Mac we should consider is the physical side. Remember your data is only safe when it’s still in your possession. If you plan to leave your Mac in a more public area, say a dorm or common office, you can find a way to lock it down. Laptops and Minis come with lock openings, which you can buy a special lock for. Kensington and many other companies offer a variety of locks for electronics. iMacs and Mac Pros can also make use of such locks. Remember, you may need to add an anchor loop  onto your desk or wall, to attach your lock. Maybe it doesn’t look cool, but it could be a theft deterrent. If you’ve brought an extra external drive for back-up and large file storage, those often have lock spaces for laptop locks as well.

There are several companies that offer a Lo-Jack kind of system for your Mac, that will turn your computer into a useless brick upon your report of the theft. Try Lo-Jack for Laptops with a yearly fee or Undercover, who also offers student prices. You can get fingerprint scanners and USB keys, that will demand