Using your laptop or internet-enabled device to get work done away from your office or on the road is becoming widely accepted.

Traveling or at your coffee barista or at your office or home base, increases your  internet-enabled device security exposure. Said another way, reduce your laptop security risk. Rapid growth in laptop computing has made portable systems the target for theft around the world – while traveling, at your informal office / coffee stop, or at home. Also, if your laptop computer is stolen, company information and very personal information is exposed, such as your very private personal and financial information.

Use this list of tips to learn how you can keep your internet-enabled device laptop more secure where ever you are travel – out-of-town or between office (formal or informal) and home.

1. Don’t use Computer Bags – use Padded Briefcase or Suitcase

Computer bags can make it obvious that you’re carrying a laptop. Instead, try toting your laptop in something more common like a padded briefcase or suitcase (after all the cost the same; don’t let your computer let you promote your ego/self-esteem – you personally own your own character.)

2. Don’t Leave Your Password in Your Carrying Case

You always keep your car/office keys on your persons and out-of-sight from others– always keep your password for your laptop out-of-sight and personally secure.. (For many people the data on their computer is worth more than their car and worth more than their job!) Without your password(s) or important access number(s) it will be very difficult for a thief to access your personal and firm’s information. (Please see Complex Password – the last section)

3. Carry Your Laptop with You – Always

On the plane or train, always take your laptop with you rather than checking it with your luggage. It’s easy to lose luggage – it’s even easier to lose your laptop. (Many people get their luggage back and their electronic devices are gone – after getting your checked-in luggage – immediately inspect their content.) If you’re traveling by car, keep your laptop out-of-sight. For example, lock it in the trunk when you’re not using it.

4. Encrypt Your Data

Encryption gives you another layer of protection – even If someone should get your laptop and gain access to your files,. With Windows XP and Windows Vista & 7 you can choose to encrypt files and folders. If someone gains access to an important file, they can’t decrypt it and therefore they can’t even view your file content or folders. Learn more about how to encrypt your data with Windows XP, encrypt your data with Windows Vista, or encrypt your data with Windows 7.

5. Keep Your Eyes on Your Laptop

Don’t lose your line-of-sight or direct sight of your bag – even when you go through airport security. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Remember – many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle. (Also, tie a tag and a color ribbon on all your traveling bag. If you are on the phone, keep a your bag by your feet and look at them while you are talking,)

6. Avoid Setting Your Laptop on the Floor

Putting your laptop on the floor is an easy way to forget or lose track of it. Meal times are optimum times for thieves to check hotel rooms for unattended laptop: conference sessions offer more opportunities for thieves to access guest rooms.

If you have to set it down, try to place it between your feet or against your leg (so you’re always aware it’s there). Position it between the chair you’re a side at and the wall where it is plugged in so that nobody can get between you and wall.

7. Buy a Laptop Security Device & Location Software

Physically secure your laptop – use a security cable and attach your laptop to a heavy chair, table, or desk. The cable makes it more difficult for someone to take your laptop.

Also, there are programs that will report the location of a stolen laptop. They work when the laptop connects to the Internet, and will report the laptop’s exact physical location. One such tracing program is ComputracePlus.

8. Use a Screen Guard

These guards help prevent people from peeking over your shoulder as you work on sensitive information in a public place. This is especially helpful when you’re traveling or need to work in a crowded area. This screen guard from Secure-It is just one example of a screen guard you could use.

9. Do Not to Leave Your Laptop in Your Hotel Room

Too many things have been lost in hotel rooms and may not be completely secure. If you must leave your laptop in your room, put the “do not disturb” sign on the door.

10. Be aware of your surroundings

If you do use your laptop or mobile device in a public area, pay attention to people around you. Take precautions to shield yourself from “shoulder surfers”—make sure that no one can see you type your passwords or see any sensitive information on your screen.

11. Downplay your laptop or mobile device

There is no need to advertise to thieves that you have a laptop or mobile device. Avoid using your device in public areas, and consider non-traditional bags for carrying your laptop.

12. Consider an alarm or lock

Many companies sell alarms or locks that you can use to protect or secure your laptop. If you travel often or will be in a heavily populated area, you may want to consider investing in an alarm for your laptop bag or a lock to secure your laptop to a piece of furniture.

13. Back up your files

If your mobile device is stolen, it’s bad enough that someone else may be able to access your information. To avoid losing all of the information, make backups of important information and store the backups in a separate location (see Good Security Habits for more information). Not only will you still be able to access the information, but you’ll be able to identify and report exactly what information is at risk.

OTHER ISSUES

This list of security aware issues is copied by E2Murray from Facebook Shoreline PC Club group.

More details discussion at my Internet4Aid website