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Information Technology

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

Don’t assume that any common area is a secure area. Take your device with you.
How many times have you left your device alone at the library or the coffee shop?  There are numerous reports every year of stolen devices from dorm rooms and cafes. In the end, it is up to you to keep your devices secure.
Do not leave sensitive data on your computer (e.g. Social Security Numbers, student information, personal phone numbers, or credit card numbers).

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.

Administrator accounts have the ability to do essentially anything on the computer. Using administrator account opens the possibility for malicious software to install itself and make changes. A more secure option is to use a non-privileged account for daily activity and only use administrator when it is necessary.
Set a password for your devices. That will help your data stay safe.

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: