A Bit of Truth We All Know…
Some of us have done it—left the laptop on the train, in a café, or simply forget your laptop in a meeting room. That sinking feeling in your stomach is bad enough, but the real worry is what happens to your data if the wrong person gets hold of it.
For financial advisors, accountants, and professionals handling client data, a lost laptop isn’t just inconvenient, it’s a potential security incident.
The good news? Here are three essential ways you can stop your “lost laptop” story turning into a security nightmare before your device ever goes missing.
1. Turn On BitLocker (Your First Line of Defence)
BitLocker is built into Windows 11 Pro (and some Home versions) and encrypts your entire hard drive. In plain English? Even if someone steals your laptop, they can’t read your files without your PIN or recovery key.
How to check if it’s on:
- Press Windows + S
- Type Manage BitLocker
- Open the tool—if you see “BitLocker On”, you’re good.
If it’s not on and your device supports it, switch it on today. For businesses, BitLocker can also be managed centrally through Microsoft 365 and Intune—so every device stays protected.
2. Back Up Automatically with OneDrive
If your laptop disappears, your files don’t have to go with it. With OneDrive, your key folders—Documents, Desktop, and Pictures—sync to the cloud automatically.
To Check:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray
- Go to Settings → Sync and backup
- Make sure Documents, Desktop, and Pictures are ticked under Manage backup
That way, even if the device is gone, your files are safe and ready to access on another machine.
3. Enable “Find My Device” + Remote Lock
Windows 11 comes with Find My Device built in. Switch it on, and if your laptop ever goes missing, you can:- See its last known location on a map
- Remotely lock the device
- Or, if you’ve got Microsoft 365 Business Premium or Intune, even wipe it completely
How to set it up:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Find My Device
- Toggle it on and make sure you’re signed in with your Microsoft account
Quick Checklist: Laptop Security Basics
- Turn on BitLocker encryption
- Set up OneDrive backup
- Enable Find My Device + remote lock
Final Thoughts
Look, laptops go missing—it happens. But your data doesn’t have to. With encryption, backup, and remote control, you’ve got the digital equivalent of a spare key, a safe, and a tracker all in one.
And if you want help setting this up (or rolling it out across your whole team), give us a shout. We’ll make sure your business stays protected, no matter where your laptops end up.
