How to Keep Laptop Safe While Traveling

As airlines are more concerned with security, allowing you to carry less and inspect more, you have to be concerned about the safety of your laptop computer. Where is that laptop when you are removing your shoes? When the guard is waving his wand around your body? What about when it goes though the x-ray? Is it safe? Will it still be there on the other end of its journey? When you stow your laptop in an overhead bin, will it be safe or stolen?

Instructions

1. Do not check your laptop. Always keep it with you. Do not put it in with other baggage. If you have to remove your laptop from its case and turn it on to show security that the laptop is a laptop, save time by turning it on ahead of time and leaving it in suspend mode. Do not send your laptop through the X-ray conveyor belt until it is your turn to walk through the metal detector. Be sure to pick it up immediately when it comes out the other end.

2. Do not put it in the overhead storage area because it could get knocked around or even get picked up by someone else in the crush of deplaning. You are supposed to stay in your seat until the plane comes to a complete stop, but who does that? During that time your laptop could disappear.

3. Use a well-made, well-padded case for your laptop. No matter the type or brand name of the case, it is a laptop case, so keep it in your hands.

4. Make sure all security applications, anti-virus software firewalls are up to date.

5. Either remove or encrypt all confidential information on your laptop. If you are going to use it on an unfamiliar network, that network is potentially dangerous. Use a remote web email account like Gmail, Yahoo! Mail or Hotmail that can be accessed from any browser. Use a system password to slow the novice thief. Use file passwords on confidential files.

6. Bring an ethernet cable in case you have no wireless Internet access on your trip. You might have to hook it up to that little box next to the telephone in the hotel room.

7. Carry proper documents. Have proper customs documents or your original receipt for the computer if you are traveling out of the country. You do not want to pay duty on the computer you left home with.

8. Pick an area where you have some privacy if you use your laptop while waiting for your flight. If it’s too crowded, don’t use your laptop.

9. Don't let your laptop out of sight. If you go to the airport bathroom, take it with you. If you are traveling with a companion, you can leave it with the companion safely.

10. Keep your laptop case locked at all times. In the airport, someone could slip something in your case. If the laptop is at your feet in the plane, it is possible for another passenger to gain access to the case if it is not locked. Exercise all possible caution with your laptop when traveling, whether by plane, train or car. You want to arrive home with you and your laptop safe and sound.