If you’re among the millions of people who travel with a laptop PC for business or pleasure, here’s some timely advice to protect your computer – and the often-priceless data that resides on it.
Ensure your data is safe by encrypting and password- protecting sensitive files. Don't conduct any confidential business via a Wi-Fi connection in the airport or at your hotel; instead, make sure your IT department or computer support consultant has set up a virtual private network that will allow you to send e-mail and use the web when on the road.
Don’t get caught without the software applications you need. Check your laptop, especially if it’s a company computer, to make sure you have all the correct programs loaded.
Check with your wireless provider to make sure you have voice and data access along your route. Several cell-phone providers now offer internationally compatible phones, but many phones only work in the U.S., so some international travelers may have to rent an extra phone for their trip, or buy a disposable one when they reach their destination.
Remember your memory device. As the price of flash-memory "thumb drives" has dropped while their memory has increased, more travelers are using these handy devices to store and transport presentations, files, and important documents. Thumb drives may even allow you to leave your laptop at home in some situations, though it is important to password-protect and encrypt your data, in case the drive is lost.
Back up all data before you hit the road, in case your laptop goes missing. Remember, the computer itself is relatively easy to replace – it’s the data on it that could cost your company millions!
© National Security Institute, Inc.