Smartphones Take on Laptops in Security

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- You know the old saying: "If it moves, it's a security risk." OK, it's a new saying I made up just now. But in the case of laptop computers and smartphones, it's true.

Below, we compare how these popular devices handle the most common security hazards.

Physical theft: Clearly, laptops and smartphones are easy to steal. Some 600,000 laptop computers are lost or stolen just from airports alone every year, according to the Ponemon Institute. In fact, the Safeware Insurance Agency last month introduced an insurance plan specifically for the Apple (AAPL Quote) iPhone.

"The chances of recovering either one once it's stolen or lost are very low, especially for phones because they can be turned into someone else's device just by inserting a new SIM (subscriber identity module) card," says Dennis Fisher, an editor at the IT security news site ThreatPost.com.

According to Fisher, encryption is the best way to protect data on smartphones and laptops in case of loss or theft. Symantec(SYMC Quote) and McAfee(MFE Quote) offer plenty of encryption options for mobile PCs.

There are fewer options for smartphones, but they are out there. GuardianEdge Technologies , for example, offers encryption software for iPhones, Palm(PALM Quote) smartphones and devices that use Microsoft(MSFT Quote) Windows Mobile.

To prevent theft, most laptop computers come equipped with Tic Tac-shaped holes called Kensington Slots, which are meant to work with lock-and-cable systems from Kensington Computer Products Group, a subsidiary of ACCO Brands(ABD Quote). Basic locks sell for $24.99, but $54.99 will get you a lock that emits an alarm if someone cuts its cable. Phones don't come with Kensington Slots, and neither do the pants pockets where most men store them.