Computer Troubleshooter IT solutions franchises offer advice on protection for portable devices

It's no secret that people are becoming increasingly reliant on mobile computing gadgets, such as tablet computers and smartphones, for communication and information storage, but at the same time they are a little complacent of the information they are carrying around and how much would be lost if that favourite gadget suddenly came out of their possession.

The Computer Troubleshooters IT solutions franchise knows how convenient mobile computing gadgets can be. However, their portable nature also means these gadgets don't stay within the secure confines of an office and could be lost or stolen at any time.

In this article the Computer Troubleshooters IT solutions franchise looks at five things that should be done before taking a mobile computing gadget out into the big wide world.

Firstly, it is important to add identification to the device. Honest people who find someone's tablet or phone will look for any identification that reveals who the owner is so it can be returned. Just as parents label their children's clothing, add some form of identification to mobile computing devices. It could be a business card in the tablet case, a power on message with contact details, or an engraved phone number or business name.

Secondly, always password protect. Using password or code protection prevents a stranger from gaining access to the information stored on the mobile computing gadget. It is also wise to set a 'time out period' (if the device allows it) to automatically lock the device with the password after a period of inactivity.

A third safety precaution is to synchronise, or 'sync', the tablet or smartphone to another computer, or to an internet based service. This ensures that if the device is lost a copy of the information can still be accessed.

If not everything on the mobile computing device can be synchronised, such as information on a phone's SIM card, or information on a application only available on the portable device, then make sure this information is regularly being backed up in a secure place.

Finally, add remote control and tracking on tablets and smartphones that have a GPS function. Applications have been developed for mobile computing devices with a GPS function that will show where the device is located based on its GPS data. Most of these applications will need to be installed or configured before the device is lost, however when installed they not only locate the device, but some services will allow remote locking of the device, or even a remote wipe of all information on it. Security software manufacturers are also starting to release anti-virus software for mobile computing devices with remote locate and remote wipe features.

All local Computer Troubleshooters IT solutions franchises can offer advice on the best protection mechanisms for mobile computing devices...before it's too late.