Tip 1: Don't put your laptop in your checked luggage.
Apart from not having your valuable and expensive gear under your control, baggage handlers don't know what is in your bag. You run the risk of having your laptop broken or stolen in transit.
Keep your laptop inconspicuous. Laptops especially should always be carried in nondescript carrying cases, such as backpacks or tote bags, instead of tell-tale laptop bags.
Keep your laptop inconspicuous. Laptops especially should always be carried in nondescript carrying cases, such as backpacks or tote bags, instead of tell-tale laptop bags.
Tip 2: Never let your laptop out of your sight!
Because of their size and value, laptops make prime targets, and a thief can snatch the laptop bag and keep walking while you are unaware. If you set it down while checking in at the airport counter or hotel registration desk, lean it against your leg or hold it against your feet so that you can feel it.
One last thing that you should practice when traveling with your laptop is to keep your carrying case locked. If you're able to lock up the case, do so. This prevents anyone from getting into the case if you happen to not be looking.
One last thing that you should practice when traveling with your laptop is to keep your carrying case locked. If you're able to lock up the case, do so. This prevents anyone from getting into the case if you happen to not be looking.
Tip 3: Security may not be as secure as you think!
Don't send your laptop through the airport X-ray machine until it's your turn to walk through the checkpoint. That way you will be able to pick it up as soon as it comes out the other end, preventing anyone else from walking away with it.
You should also clearly label your laptop. Unique labeling acts as a theft deterrent as well as helps you to quickly identify yours from all the others!
You should also clearly label your laptop. Unique labeling acts as a theft deterrent as well as helps you to quickly identify yours from all the others!
Tip 4: Avoid the overhead bins.
With the sheer volume of luggage that is stowed in overhead bins these days, not only do you risk damaging your laptop, you are increasing your chances of having it stolen - or simply taken by mistake. Always keep your laptop with you or under the seat in front of you.
Tip 5: Back-up; back-up and back-up some more.
Conduct a backup of all critical and sensitive data before you depart and as frequently as possible while traveling. You can buy a new laptop, but it is much harder to replace and protect lost data.
Tip 6: Make use of portable storage.
If you do need to travel with sensitive and valuable files, you can give yourself some added security by keeping these separate from your laptop on a thumb or flash drive. A word of warning: these devises are also a target for thieves, so take precautions to keep them safe also.
Tip 7: Use strong passwords.
As a general rule, people use passwords that are easily cracked (combinations of addresses, key dates and names, etc.) Most laptops come with help and advice on creating a ‘strong’ password, and it is well worth taking the time to learn how.
It is also good practice to use added layers of passwords, for example setting system and file passwords.
It is also good practice to use added layers of passwords, for example setting system and file passwords.
Tip 8: Ensure your privacy.
When using your laptop in an airport, on a plane or a hotel lobby area, try to give yourself some privacy. Seemingly innocent people sitting nearby could be looking over your shoulder and taking note of sensitive information.
It is always good practice to avoid accessing financial, banking or personal records while traveling – especially on public wireless networks. Limit confidential information transmission, such as credit purchases and reservations or anything with a Social Security number to further reduce your risk.
It is always good practice to avoid accessing financial, banking or personal records while traveling – especially on public wireless networks. Limit confidential information transmission, such as credit purchases and reservations or anything with a Social Security number to further reduce your risk.
Tip 9: Carry documentation.
As an extra precaution, you should travel with documentation related to your laptop. In the event that it does become lost or stolen, you have a better chance of recovering it if you are able to provide the authorities with specific information about the make, model, serial number and any other identifying details. You will also need this information to file a claim with the airline or your insurance company.
Tip 10: Protect your laptop!
Laptop recovery and data protection software is highly effective in the event your laptop is stolen. Look for software that can track down and help recover your laptop with the help of the Police, and that allows you to remotely access and wipe sensitive information from the hard drive, thus ensuring it does not fall into the wrong hands.
