Before we get started, we'd do well by advising you not to leave your Mac unattended in a public place. That's an expensive -- and highly coveted -- machine! But sometimes, nature calls, or that second latte is all you need to keep chugging along with work for the afternoon. Take the neccessary precautions to make sure that your laptop stays put and, more importantly, that your private information stays unrevealed.

What You'll Need:

>> Kensington ClickSafe Laptop Lock
>> FileVault enabled
>> iCloud account

1. Secure Your Data with FileVault

Just because your computer is physically secured doesn't mean that a thief couldn't steal your data. With physical access to your machine without FileVault enabled, a thief can boot your machine in Target Disk mode and copy files in a heartbeat with just a FireWire cable.

To enable FileVault, navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > FileVault. Click the "Turn on FileVault" button to begin encrypting your hard drive. After the drive is encrypted, any access through Target Disk Mode will be required to enter the encryption password.

2. Physically Bolt Down your Mac

If you tend to work a lot from a coffee shop or the library consider investing in a ClickSafe Laptop Lock lock to tie down your MacBook to a table leg. This lock plugs into the small, curved rectangular hole on the right-hand side of your MacBook and uses the same locking mechanism as a bike lock.

We also recommend an application called iAlertU that acts as an alarm. It's just as annoying and distracting as a car alarm.

You can also secure your iMac or some Apple displays with this type of lock as well.

3. Keep Tabs on your Mac with iCloud

If the worst has happen, as long as you have an iCloud account you can keep track of your Mac's current location based on its IP address. This isn't as accurate as GPS, but it'll give you a rough estimate of where your Mac is located.

To enable this, go to System Preferences > iCloud, and check the box labeled, "Find My Mac."

You can then locate your Mac by visiting iCloud.com, logging into your account, and selecting the "Find My iPhone" icon. Despite the name, this section of iCloud will display your Macs as well. When your Mac is found, you can click it on the Map to get options for Remote Locking, or Remote Wiping.

4. Lock your account with a password

To keep people from logging into your account and making changes without your approval, head to System Preferences > Users & Groups, and select your account. Click Reset password to create or change your password.

When you're done, head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General. Ensure that the box labeled "Require password after sleep or screen saver begins" is checked and a time is selected. While you're here, check the box to "Disable automatic login." Doing this will make your Mac more secure.

5. Keep Your Stuff with You

Of course, the best way to keep from becoming a victim of theft is to just keep your stuff with you. We recommend getting a nice, comfortable bag, and keeping it on your person at all times when you're out and about. Or a ferocious dog that is constantly baring its teeth at anyone who goes near your stuff. We're kidding about that last part. Doggies are nice.

Follow this article's author, Cory Bohon on Twitter.