Is laptop security a concept you can’t quite get your head around? Regardless of whether you’re all clued up or still unsure about certain terminology, this article will help simplify exactly what you need to know about important business laptop security features.
Is security software all you need? With cyber criminals pulling out all the stops to get into your personal or business device, it’s time to put barriers in place to deter intruders at every turn. That includes software and hardware security solutions. Fortunately, the Acer TravelMate range boasts ample features to secure the data you hold dear. However, more on that later…
Back to basics
First, it’s important to distinguish between hardware and software. Hardware is the term used to describe all the laptop components you can see and touch. Things such as the screen, keyboard, and the machinery inside the laptop, such as the motherboard, GPU and cooling fans.
Software, on the other hand, refers to the files and programs you upload or that are installed to make the device work. This includes your operating system (Windows), the programs you use to surf the web, write emails and create presentations, as well as the files that add security to your laptop, such as anti-spyware, firmware or Internet security.
The tricky part is that if you don’t have adequate security features in place, cyber criminals can strike where it hurts most: your software. From there, an attack can corrupt other files and leave hardware damaged, too.
Breaking down the risks
Most of us have heard about viruses, Trojans and worms, but that’s not where malware threats end. Your software can succumb to other types of attacks, such as rootkits, which are designed to conceal themselves in your device, giving attackers administrative access and the ability to make changes without your permission. Hybrid attacks feature a combination of one or more tools, making them even more malicious and dangerous.
In terms of hardware attacks, these could come in the form of cloning, where everything on your PC is duplicated for an attacker’s use. Attackers can also break services with information obtained through piracy scams. And there are an increasing number of cases where hardware is kept ransom, meaning that everything on the laptop is kept under lock and key for some sort of material gain. A recent ransomware attack on South Africa’s Department of Justice saw all the information systems held by the department externally encrypted. This affected everything from the disbursal of monthly child maintenance payments to the issuing of letters of authority, bail services and the departmental website.
But, as cyber criminals become more sophisticated, so too does the technology used to keep them at bay. The good news is that many modern laptop devices are more than capable of putting up a fight.
Beat them with an upgrade
Imagine not having any of these worries. There’s peace of mind in knowing that however you connect – be it through a public Wi-Fi network or sharing data on a USB stick – you’ll be 100% protected. But how can a laptop guarantee this sense of security?
Enter the Acer TravelMate range. From the attention to detail in the design to its powerful hardware, this range ensures security. It boasts innovative software features and a unique hardware-security compatibility design, making it Acer’s leading design for ensuring successful security against malware and cybercrime.
A TravelMate laptop is the best companion device because it protects against the risks mentioned above using the hardware-level Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a powerful anti-tampering chip that checks for signs of intrusion during the system boot up.
Acer TravelMate P4 and Spin P4
Backed by the TPM, these models can detect any anomalies as soon as you turn them on. This handy security feature also creates and stores a password for your PC on the chipset, separate from the hard drive that makes it safe from common viruses, spyware and Trojans that infect and steal computers’ information.
For further security, these models include fingerprint login, Windows Hello, and a webcam cover to protect your privacy.
Acer TravelMate P6 and the brand-new Spin P6
Using the same TPM as the other devices, these models ensure secure authentication and will safeguard company data. The built-in Acer User Sensing technology allows for accurate detection of people based on range and movement, and keeps your data safe by locking the screen when you leave. When you return, quickly log back in with Windows Hello using the IR webcam or the fingerprint reader located on the power button.
These hardware security options can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping your data and company assets safe. And, in the event of a virus outbreak on your laptop, the best defence would be to attempt an instant recovery solution. Acer PCGuard uses the latest recovery technology to recover an entire system to a preset status within seconds, ensuring your settings and programs are recovered fast.
From a business perspective, the Acer Security Suite’s software allows managers to manage security policies and user security settings with a consolidated, one-stop security centre based in the cloud. This means your manager can install all the security solutions you need on your device by tapping a button on their laptop.
Acer’s security wizards assist the user with first-time setup, multi-step tasks, and adding TPM security to common applications. They also let you combine authentication methods, such as passwords, TPM certificates, smart cards, and fingerprints for multi-level security on Windows, wireless networks, and secure applications for greater protection on all employee laptops.
Acer TravelMate laptops are designed with enormous features that are found to be unique and innovative, making them the best companion device for protecting your data while you’re travelling, or working from home. Take a proactive approach to securing your digital assets. It starts with the Acer TravelMate range.
By Renasha Papiah Product Manager at Acer
