10 Ways to Keep Your Laptop Safe When Traveling

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Leaving your laptop at home is supposedly going to help you relax, but what if you're more anxious without your laptop? You may not be working during the trip, but there could be possible emergencies to handle. And let's not forget that a laptop can function as a travel agent, a guidebook, and an entertainment center, too.

If your laptop is coming with you, you'll need to take same precautions to keep it safe. Here are a few tips to improve laptop security during your travels. (See also: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards)

1. Secure Laptop Bag

It's not just thieves who pose a threat on your precious laptop. Mundane things that happen while you're rushing to the airport can harm it too. If you drop the laptop or squeeze it into a spot that's too tight, it can scratch and crack.

Place your laptop in a cushioned laptop bag, preferably one that's plain and inconspicuous, so you don't attract unwanted attention. For extra protection, choose a laptop bag with features like slash-proof fabric and tamper-resistant zippers. If you travel a lot, consider buying a checkpoint-friendly laptop bag that will allow you to stroll through security without taking the laptop out of the bag. Keep the bag on your person or within view at all times.

2. Be Safe at the Hotel

You can't take your laptop with you everywhere. If you leave it at the hotel when you go sightseeing, place it in the safe and hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door. You won't come back to a clean room, but you'll be more likely to find your laptop where you left it. (See also: Hotel Safety Tips)

3. Get a Security Cable Lock

A cheap anti-theft device, a security cable lock works like a bicycle lock. You loop it around a fixed object, connect it to the laptop and lock it with a combination or a key.

If you don't mind spending a little more money, you can buy a high-tech cable lock that comes with a motion sensor system and an alarm. When someone tries to remove the laptop, the movement will trigger the alarm, alerting you of the theft attempt.

4. Buy Insurance

A good travel insurance policy goes a long way. Get a policy that covers theft and loss of personal items. Make sure the amount of coverage will be enough to buy you a new laptop. A good travel rewards credit card may cover travel insurance — check the terms of your card issuer. (See also: Laptop-Buying Mistakes)

5. Use Antivirus Software

Using unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks can lead to security breaches. Keep your antivirus software updated and running when you use the hotel or airport Wi-Fi. (See also: Where to Get Free or Cheap Internet)

If possible, avoid shopping online or logging on to your online banking website on a public Wi-Fi network. If you really have to do it, always check that your Internet browser shows a URL beginning with "https" and a padlock icon.

6. Use a VPN

If you often use public Wi-Fi networks, consider spending some money on a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This service protects your Internet connection by encrypting all the data you send and receive online. Another perk of using a VPN while traveling is being able to access online content that's not available in certain geographic locations.

7. Install Theft Recovery Software

Your chances of getting your stolen laptop back are a lot higher if you have a theft recovery software installed on your laptop. This software allows you to locate the laptop so you can have the local authorities retrieve it for you. A good theft recovery software works even if the thief has erased all data and installed a new operating system.

8. Record Laptop Details

Take down the specifications of your laptop before you travel. The laptop make, model, and serial number will come in handy if you have to report a theft. Also take photos of the laptop, focusing on any distinguishing details, such as scratches and dents.

9. Backup Your Data

The information stored in a laptop can be more valuable than the laptop itself. Protect yourself from losing your data by backing it up on a hard drive or in cloud storage online. (See also: Cloud Computing and Your Wallet)

If you won't be using the sensitive files during the trip, consider deleting the copies on your laptop. If you lose the laptop, you won't have to worry about those files and can use the back-up data to carry on where you left off.

10. Use Data Encryption

You probably have sensitive information stored on your laptop. Copies of your IDs, your home address, contact details of your associates, personal photos, banking details — all this information can be used for identify theft if it falls into the wrong hands.

To minimize the risk of unauthorized access, you can encrypt your data and use strong passwords.

Full-disk encryption protects all the data on your laptop, but it's a little overkill unless you regularly work with a lot of sensitive information. For most people, it's easier to pick and choose the files to encrypt. Many common programs and applications like Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Dropbox, and Evernote have options for you to encrypt specific files and set passwords for them.

Use strong passwords with a good mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. If you find it hard to remember these passwords, use a password management software or write the passwords down on a piece of paper stored separately from the laptop.

How do you keep your laptop safe while you travel. Please share in comments!

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