| Finally, a break! Make sure your vacation is memorable | | | | around a heavy item when you are using your laptop |
| because of the great time you had, not because | | | | on vacation. This will make it harder for a thief to walk |
| something happened to your computer. Read on for a | | | | away with your computer. If possible, avoid leaving |
| complete checklist of things to do to make sure your | | | | your laptop in a hotel room if you will be stepping out |
| computer and the data on it is ready to jet with you. | | | | as things sometimes get 'lost' in hotels. However, if |
| Back-up your data and clean-up your computer. | | | | taking your laptop with you is not an option, lock the |
| Copy important or valuable items - documents, photos, | | | | laptop into the hotel safe and place the 'Do Not Disturb' |
| presentations, email records - on to an external hard | | | | sign on your door. |
| drive, USB flash drive, or an online service and store it | | | | There are also tracking services one can purchase for |
| in a lockable location at your office or at home. This will | | | | their laptop. If your computer is stolen, the service will |
| ensure you have a back-up of everything vital should | | | | be able to tell one the exact physical location of their |
| your computer become lost or damaged while | | | | computer once the perpetrator connects to the |
| traveling. | | | | internet. For your safety, have law enforcement assist |
| If using an email program like Outlook, export your data | | | | you with retrieving your stolen goods. |
| (like contacts) into a file that will be saved onto a flash | | | | Configure your computer's security when using public |
| drive or external hard drive as well. | | | | Wi-Fi. |
| Encrypt your data for another layer of protection. | | | | Make sure your firewalls and virus protection services |
| Many computer system security features now easily | | | | are up-to-date and working properly before going on |
| let users encrypt their data so that others cannot see | | | | vacation. Password-protect your computer before |
| their personal information. Run this before packing up | | | | connecting to any wireless networking device. |
| your laptop. | | | | Download current spyware protection and OS security |
| Never leave passwords or other confidential | | | | patches. |
| information in your computer's carrying case. | | | | Do not use the "Remember Me" feature on websites |
| Would you ever leave your keys in the door of your | | | | or the feature that remembers your online passwords. |
| car? Leaving passwords in the same case as your | | | | Re-type your passwords every time - especially while |
| computer is like doing just this. | | | | overseas. Clear your browser after each use and |
| Keeping your passwords in a separate location will | | | | delete your history, caches, cookies, and temporary |
| make it harder for a thief to access your personal and | | | | internet files. |
| or corporate files. Even better: memorize your | | | | Disable infrared or Bluetooth ports when they are not |
| passwords to avoid carrying them around in the first | | | | in use so someone else doesn't use them. Terminate |
| place. | | | | internet connections when you do not need to go |
| For the purposes of information security, it is | | | | online. |
| recommended that one change all of their passwords | | | | Be prepared for anything. |
| upon returning from their vacation. That way thieves | | | | You never know what you may run into while on |
| cannot have access to any of your online accounts if | | | | vacation. Have the necessary materials with you for |
| they did get a hold of your passwords. | | | | any situation. Write the phone number for your |
| Use something less obvious than a laptop bag to tote | | | | technical support or help desk and keep it with you in |
| your computer. | | | | your suitcase, bag or planner. If you are going |
| Special padded backpacks, padded briefcases, or | | | | overseas, pack the appropriate power adapter for |
| padded messenger bags are a better option. People | | | | your laptop. Pack an Ethernet cable in case your |
| that will want to take your computer are looking for an | | | | hotel's wireless does not work. |
| easy way to grab and go, so they will look for the | | | | When traveling with your laptop, computer security is |
| most obvious thing that tells them one has a computer. | | | | an important thing to keep in mind. Taking the proper |
| Use a laptop security device. | | | | steps before you take-off and being smart about |
| Laptop security cables work like a bike lock; simply | | | | what you do with your laptop will help ensure happy |
| lock them into your computer and loop the cable | | | | travels. |