ISO27001 Laptop Security
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Desktops and laptops often store system passwords in cmos which is a volatile
store chip within the computer and is kept alive by a small coin type battery on
the motherboard. This same chip holds the date and other start-up data. If you
remove the battery and leave it for a few minutes, this data is lost and the
password is removed. The other type of start-up password is held in an encrypted
form on hard disk.
It is relatively easy to boot the computer from a CD or alternative operating
system, access the password files and delete them. Rebooting the computer in the
normal way shows that the password has been removed.
I am no computer expert, but this easy routine is readily available on the
internet and it beggars belief that anyone, let alone, those in Government think
that their data is secure when 'protected' in this flimsy way.
In my job I travel widely and I have a laptop which is protected by a
password but the data I carry is on a separate removable drive which is
encrypted at file level so that even if the drive was stolen and put into
another laptop the data could not be accessed.
I use Folder Lock to secure my data. There are many other programmes
available but I like this one.
Folder Lock is a fast file-security program that can password-protect, lock,
hide and encrypt any number of files, folders, drives, pictures and documents in
seconds. Protected files are hidden, undeletable, inaccessible and highly
secure. It hides files from anyone other than the authorised user, safeguards
them from viruses, trojans, worms and spy ware, and even protects them from
networked PCs, cable users and hackers. Files can also be protected on USB Flash
Drives, Memory Sticks, CD-RW, floppies and notebooks. Protection works even if
files are taken from one PC to another on a removable disk, without the need to
install any software. It locks files in Windows, DOS and even Safe Modes.
I know that my sensitive files are protected and that my Clients data is
protected.
About the Author
Chris Eden FIBC, MISSA, ACQI is a director of Quality Matters Limited an
established independent management consultancy based in Essex, UK which
specialises in
ISO27001
Information Security Management consultancy.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2008-08-10 22:44:04 in Computer Articles
