Secure my laptop Best Practice idea requests

Yes, there are several solutions for tracking a stolen computer. There are also some built-in safeguards for OS X:

1. Setting up firmware password protection in Mac OS X;

2. Enabling FileVault to encrypt the Home folder.

There is a Security Slot on the computer that can be used to connect a security cable so the computer can be locked down to a desk.

The biggest thing I can tell you is make sure that you aren't using auto logon. That firmware password might be the best bet as well for security. Because the truth is that anyone with a little knowhow and Mac OSX install CD can reset the admin password for the OS. So create a good user name, complex as you can remember password, disable auto logon, and use a firmware password. I don't think it is ever too late to secure your laptop. I would change all passwords to all of your web sites however and whatever else you had on the laptop. Hope that helps.
rob

There are also relatively easy tricks for disabling the Firmware Password. On most computers passwords provide only a layer of security against the casual prying eyes.

Well within reason that is all he has. I don't think that he is interested in completely locking down the thing.. sounds like just some basic security....

Then the best bet is to use good password for the admin account. If needed add the Firmware Password. For greater security use FileVault to encrypt the Home folder.

There are commercial utilities that can enable tracking the computer if stolen as I mentioned earlier.

It takes three minutes for a thief who has stolen your computer to bypass ANY firmware password, no matter how strong. Don't expect that to protect your data if your next MacBook is stolen. Encryption is the only protection you can rely on under those circumstances. FileVault is just one encryption alternative, not the only one.

Warren Tripp wrote:
I am NOT going to use FileVault however. I tried it once and lost data. Everything I read seems to imply it is not worth the trouble.

RE encryption, eww is correct - that's the only way to protect your data. Competent individuals (Kappy, eww, and me, for example), could defeat the firmware password protection and your strong admin password in a matter of minutes. A competent thief +who was interested in your data+ would be able to do so as well (most just want the hardware, of course).

I do agree that FileVault is not the best solution here (I sometimes refer to it as FileFault - there's an inherent risk in having all of your data in a single, huge, encrypted file). I see no need to encrypt iTunes music, my personal photos, etc. Instead, consider creating an encrypted disk image for your sensitive personal data (again with a strong password, and UNcheck the box to store the password in the keychain!).

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1578