While data theft has somber implications for the individuals impacted, it also has dire consequences for the companies involved.

Just ask Card Systems Solutions, which ceased doing business after a 2004 data breach exposed as many as 40 million credit card accounts. To ward off data theft, use strong passwords to protect the BIOS  (Mac users should password protect the firmware), encrypt sensitive data files and clear laptops and other mobile devices of confidential data before traveling.

And definitely beware the podslurping vampires – never, ever allow anyone’s USB device to be hooked up to your computer, and never allow your USB devices to be hooked up to theirs.

Ease your high-tech fears with LAPTOP's 31 security tips >>