If you haven't read Richard's story, Darmok at Tanagra on getting robbed in Las Vegas, you should. If it doesn't make you immediately check your own security standards, then I don't know what will. Thank goodness his old trusty Mac, knew that "Larry" was a bad guy and would not give up its secrets without a PW. You gotta' wonder about Larry's IQ...or lack therof.

Do you have a PDA? Is is secured with a PW on entry? Have you ever turned you back on your device, even for just a moment? I'll venture to guess you've played with your device's security features and ultimately decided they were too cumbersome for you to bother with. Am I right? What a pain to put in a PW every time you reach for your PDA/phone...isn't it? HA, ask Richard about his pain on realizing what he'd lost. Granted back-up is another issue, but at least he could have slept a little easier until he got all his old passwords changed...or did he? Time will tell (sorry Richard).

Take the time now to use the simple elegant security feature built in to almost every device on the market. PASSWORD PROTECT your device on power up. Here's an equally important point: PUT YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION INTO THE APPROPRIATE "OWNER" AREA. This screen is usually visible to anyone who finds the device, just by turning it on. It's really their only hope of returning your device to you. Remember to use a phone number at which you can be reached should they be honest enough to call. It's almost humorous to see user's put their cell number into the Owner's information screen. How on earth is anyone going to call you on your lost cell number?

GO, DO IT N O W !

Rick Newcombe
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