Best Practices

Steps to Take If Your Computer Is Stolen

Posted on by Mark Johnson
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Computer is Stolen

If your computer is stolen, it’s important to act quickly to protect your data and increase the chances of recovering your device. You should immediately report the theft to the local police and provide them with details such as the make, model, and serial number. Contact your insurance company to file a claim if your policy covers theft.  


Here are 10 steps you should take if your computer is stolen:

1. Report the Theft

  • Contact the Police: Report the theft to the local police department. Provide them with the computer’s make, model, serial number, and any distinguishing features.
  • File an Insurance Claim: If you have insurance that covers theft, file a claim with your insurance provider. Provide them with a copy of the police report.

2. Track Your Computer

  • Use Tracking Software: If you have installed tracking software (like Find My on Mac or third-party tracking apps), use it to locate your computer. Do this as soon as possible before the thief can disable the tracking.
  • Notify Authorities: If you can track your device’s location, inform the police and let them handle the recovery. Do not attempt to retrieve it yourself.

3. Protect Your Data

  • Remote Wipe: If you have set up remote wiping capabilities, use this feature to erase your data to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Change Passwords: Change passwords for your online accounts, especially those accessed from the stolen computer. This includes email, banking, social media, and any other sensitive accounts.

4. Notify Your Contacts

  • Warn Contacts: Inform your contacts that your computer was stolen and advise them to be cautious of any suspicious emails or messages that might come from your accounts.

5. Monitor for Suspicious Activity

  • Check for Unauthorized Access: Regularly monitor your accounts for any unauthorized activity. This includes email, banking, and other critical accounts.
  • Fraud Alerts: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report to prevent identity theft.

6. Secure Your Other Devices

  • Change Passwords: Change passwords on your other devices to prevent the thief from accessing them using any saved credentials from the stolen computer.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts for an added layer of security.

7. Backup Your Data

  • Restore from Backup: If you have backups, restore your data on a new device. This ensures you can continue working without significant data loss.
  • Regular Backups: Continue to perform regular backups to protect against future incidents.

8. Inform Your Workplace (if applicable)

  • Notify Your Employer: If the stolen computer is a work device, inform your employer immediately. Follow their protocols for handling such incidents.

9. Keep Records

  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of all steps taken, including police reports, communication with insurance companies, and changes made to your accounts.

10. Prevent Future Thefts

  • Enhanced Security Measures: Consider enhancing security measures for your devices, such as using physical locks, enabling tracking software, and implementing stronger password protection.

By taking these steps, you can minimize the impact of the theft, protect your sensitive information, and increase the likelihood of recovering your stolen computer.

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Mark Johnson
Senior Technology Consultant at 

Mark Johnson is a passionate technology professional with over 11 years of experience in the Managed Services IT space and a wide variety of industry-leading certifications. Mark’s extensive Managed IT experience and aptitude for quickly learning and adapting to new technologies has equipped him to offer valuable insight across a broad spectrum of business technology solutions.

Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson is a passionate technology professional with over 11 years of experience in the Managed Services IT space and a wide variety of industry-leading certifications. Mark’s extensive Managed IT experience and aptitude for quickly learning and adapting to new technologies has equipped him to offer valuable insight across a broad spectrum of business technology solutions. Mark's fascination with technology began at a young age when he learned to navigate DOS so that he could play games on his brother's Tandy 386 computer. Over the subsequent years, Mark developed skills in photography, videography, and non-linear editing, and he eventually studied Television Production. He worked on the sound team at his church and developed himself in technical and non-technical leadership roles. Ultimately, Mark’s desire to be always learning, progressing, and developing his knowledge led him to a career in Information Technology. As an IT Professional and consultant, Mark enjoys meeting with organizational leadership to understand their business, their team, their technology infrastructure, and their budget so that he can work closely with them to build solutions that leverage technology as a competitive advantage rather than a liability. His genuine openness and transparency allow him to quickly connect with clients to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. One of Mark’s greatest assets is his ability to listen and empathize with his clients, enabling him to understand their perspective and develop a unique plan to accommodate their needs. Whether that means reducing IT spend without impacting productivity or reducing the technology footprint in the network closet by transitioning systems and services to the cloud, his commitment to integrity and proven results has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to his clients. Mark is a devoted family man who prioritizes his role as a husband and father. He loves to spend time with his wife and three beautiful children hiking together, exploring new places, cooking new foods, and appreciating quiet evenings at home. His family is also actively involved in their local church, where they enjoy serving and contributing to the community. In conclusion, Mark Johnson is a passionate, family-oriented, and highly skilled technology professional with a wealth of experience in the Managed Services IT space. His love for technology, combined with his dedication to his clients, has made him a sought-after advisor and solution builder in the industry. "Even the most daunting of tasks is made up of many small steps. The key to success is to begin somewhere. Life is full of beginnings, and none of them are easy, but if you never get started, you’ll never enjoy the fruit of discipline or the possibility of achievement." - Mark Johnson