Secure Your Laptop when You Travel by Following These Tips
Posted by Melissa in Security Tips
Laptop computers are a prime target for theft from you office, home, airports, hotels, railroad terminals and on trains while you are traveling. They are attractive targets because they are small and can be carried away without attracting attention and they can be easily sold for a good price. They are also favorite targets for intelligence collectors as they concentrate valuable information in one accessible place.
When a laptop is stolen, you don’t know whether it was taken for the information on the computer or the value of the computer itself. In order to prevent laptop theft, here are some tips on how to secure your laptop when you travel.
The basic rule for securing your laptop when you travel is to treat it like your wallet or purse. Always keep it by your side or in your sights. When you aren’t using your laptop, keep it locked in a drawer or cabinet.
When you’re travelling, disguise your laptop. The distinct size and shape of a laptop computer makes it an easy target. Carry it in a briefcase or some other grungy-looking case. There are actually laptop bags available that are backpacks.
When you’re travelling by plane or by train, don’t ever put your laptop and other valuable in checked baggage. Don’t leave them unattended or in the overhead compartments when you are on your way. Also, never store a computer in an airport or train station locker. If you must leave it in a car, lock it in the trunk or keep it under the seat and out of sight.
Avoid leaving your computer in a hotel room. If you must do so, keep it out of sight by locking it securely in another piece of luggage or placing it in a hotel vault or room safe.
It is also important to never keep passwords or access phone numbers on the machine or in the case. Do not program your computer’s function keys with sign-on sequences, passwords, access number or phone credit card numbers.
Try to keep only software files on your laptop’s hard drive. Store your data files on CDs or flash disks and carry them separately from the computer. I also advise backing up all your files before traveling.
When you are in any public place, such as a plane or a hotel lobby, don’t have any personal information up on your laptop screen that you don’t want the public to know about. A survey of 600 travellers show that over one third admitted to looking at someone else’s laptop while flying. Most are checking just to see what their fellow traveller is doing but there are some who are interested in who you are working for.
If you’re more worried about what’s in your laptop, there are now some technologies and software that have been developed to add even more security for your data. I highly suggest availing of these especially if you have some very vital information.
Secure your laptop when you travel and enjoy a worry-free expedition.
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