A gift list from 'Security Claus'

By Ira WInkler

December 6, 2005 12:00 PM ET

Computerworld - It's the time of year when you need to pick out gifts for your friends, family and co-workers. I thought I would add a little security to your season, and maybe help you choose gifts that are unusual but also useful. So to that end, enjoy!

Security software suites: For about $50, you can buy a firewall/antivirus/antispam suite. Antispyware is also a good option as well. Sadly, many people don't have this type of software, and frequently, if they do, they don't maintain the licenses so that the software can update attack signature files. Without an updated license, the software is as bad as having nothing.
Personal shredders: With identity theft being a crime that will only continue to grow, a gift that helps to prevent identity theft should be very welcome. Personal shredders can be found for under $30 and are useful for everyone. You should look for cross-cut shredders that can accommodate at least five sheets of papers with staples, if you really like the person receiving the gift.
USB drives: Most people don't perform backups regularly, primarily because they don't have a logistically feasible way to do it. This puts them at risk from everything from viruses to just stupid accidents. Without backups, you are basically screwed if something goes wrong. The newer Universal Serial Bus drives can hold up to 2GB and should be able to back up most people's "My Documents" directory structure. People with a lot of pictures and music will need several of them, but you can be one of the first to help them out.
3M Privacy Filters: For the frequent travelers on your list, 3M Privacy Filters are great gifts. I've gathered some of my best intelligence looking over people's shoulders on airplanes and in other public areas. While people shouldn't do sensitive work where "outsiders" can spy on them, they will. Just to make sure your friends don't lose that big contract and get fired, these filters are great gifts.
Laptop cable locks: Also for the road warriors on your list, a cable lock can be a great gift. If you take a good look at a laptop computer, you will see an oval hole or two that's about a half inch in length. There are special cables that have a head that fits right into that hole. You wrap the cable around something that isn't going to move too easily, and then lock the head into your computer. While this doesn't guarantee your computer can't be physically stolen, it makes stealing your computer exponentially more difficult.

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