What to do if Your Laptop Gets Stolen

This article covers actions you should take if your laptop is lost or stolen. Most important is to act quickly. Fast response dramatically increases the chance of recovery and reduces the risk of data exposure.

Act quickly. Fast response dramatically increases the chance of recovery and reduces the risk of data exposure. 

1. Report the Incident Immediately
   • File a police report with local authorities. 
   • Notify the MSU IT Help Desk.  If traveling internationally, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. 
2. Trigger Remote Lock or Wipe (This would be triggered by an IT Service Desk ticket)
   • If your device supports remote management, request a remote lock or data wipe.
   • This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information.
3. Change Your Passwords
   • Update passwords for university accounts, email, cloud storage, and any services accessed from the laptop. 
   • Enable MFA everywhere it is available. 
4. Inform Your Supervisor or Department 
   • They may need to report the incident to compliance, research sponsors, or data‑governance offices. 
5. Monitor for Suspicious Activity 
   • Watch for unusual login attempts, password reset emails, or account alerts. 
   • Report anything suspicious to IT security. 
6. Document Everything 
   • Keep copies of the police report, incident numbers, and communications with IT. 
   • This may be required for insurance or university reporting.