You can never be too sure these days, with incidences of theft and robbery occurringĀ even in places you thought would be the most secure. That happens more often than not now that some thieves are knowledgeable enough to know the type of equipment to target.
As many will tell you, in some cases it’s not just the value of the equipment that makes victims sob, instead it’s the thought that the data contained in the equipmentĀ is now lost forever that makes one cry in frustration. This is true especially for artists and others who are dependent on technology for their work.Ā Losing such equipment, and the data stored inside them, is a dreaded possibility that they cannot afford to let happen.
Being aware of the dangers lurking around makes it all the more importantĀ to be prepared at all times. Being prepared is not just about preventing theft though, it is also about preparing contingencies in case such an event does happen. The first step in all this is to ensure the security of the most important part: the data.
Itās imperativeĀ to always be able to access files from somewhere secure, especially so for DJs who are on the road and constantly using different devices to access and store data.Ā If the files are located in just one computer, there should be a backup location where they are being stored securely and can be accessed to without a problem. For this there are a couple of options available, both of which can be utilized at the same time.
image courtesy of Offcloud
Cloud solutions are becoming popular these days and it’s easy to see why. As long as there is anĀ internet connection, one can access the files uploaded to the cloud at any time and on any device. There are a number of reputable cloud services from the simple solutions such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive to more elaborate services such as Backblaze and CrashPlan. There are free and paid solutions depending on the use and storage so it is advisable to see what each has to offer and how it best fits your needs.
image courtesy of PCWorld
An alternative worth looking into is getting an hardware backup such as external hard drives. The only risk there is that, just like the laptop itself where the original data is properly stored, with any external hard drive you’re also running the risk of theft. As a tip, have multiple external backups and place them where they are less susceptible to the prying eyes of thieves.
It is important to document any equipment currently in possession. ThisĀ is not just limited to listing down the specific model, serial number, and other features of each equipment. It is highly recommended to take photos of them as well, and to keep receipts of their purchase if you can.
Keeping all this documentation will be useful in case of theft so authorities or others will be able to know more about the equipment lost which may in turn help increase the chances of getting it back. Here are a fewĀ specific reasons why documentation and/or receipts are important:
Police: Documentation will help police to quickly identify your gear if they recover it for any reason ā now or in the future.
Pawn Shop: Since stolen goods like laptops and music gear often gets sold to a pawn shop, providing the pawn shop documentation of the stolen equipment can helpĀ to quickly determine if a specific piece of equipment in their possession has been stolen.
Insurance: Any insuranceĀ will need information such as equipment serial numbers as a quick way to confirm the validity of a claim for the stolen equipment and assess the value of the loss in order to provide due compensation.
image courtesy of Apple
Some equipment such as phones and laptops come with built-in tracking technology. Take advantage of the technology and activate it right away. It will greatly helpĀ in tracking down where the equipment is beingĀ taken and increase the chances of getting it back.
Ultimately, the best way to be able to face these threats is to be always prepared. Take note of the tips shared here. Make sure the equipment is kept in a safe place or entrusted to someone reliable.Ā More importantly, always be alert of any suspicious activity around you.Ā It pays to be careful and knowledgeable.
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