Information Security
Report a Lost or Stolen Device
Theft is a predominant crime at universities. Portable electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and phones, are easy targets. The cost of replacement can result in personal financial impacts, but can also prove costly to the university if SDSU data is exposed.
Potential Impacts
- Financial loss
- Loss of sensitive data, exposing the campus to fines and lawsuits
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of student, faculty, staff, and community trust
Safety Tips
Encryption is a way of transforming your data into an unreadable format that should only be deciphered by your password or passphrase. In the case that your device gets stolen, thieves can't simply view your files.
Scheduling regular backups can help you keep your important data intact and in a remote location, in the event of theft or infection. Daily backups are recommended. Below are some resources for setting up and maintaining backups.
If you have an iPhone (or most other Apple devices) you can track them through their GPS location using Apple's Find My iPhone. If you have an Android device, you can track your phone through the Android Device Manager. These services will allow you to get an exact location, lock your device, and even wipe your device clean. This information can be helpful to the police.
How to Report a Lost or Stolen Device?
If you’ve lost your laptop, tablet or cell phone or if one has been stolen, please take the following actions:
- Report to UPD - Call 619-594-1991 or email [email protected]
- Report to the IT Security Office by completing a ServiceNow ticket.
- If you have lost an SDSU-assigned device, please also contact your manager if you are an employee or Help Desk if you are a student.