Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, the security of your data is essential. If you have sensitive client data on your laptop, and their privacy is compromised, it could not only have a direct effect on your business, but could open you up to litigation as well.
If you have personal information on yourself or your family members, there could also be severe consequences if your data either ends up stolen or lost. Here are a few tips to keep your data secure while traveling.
Make Sure Your Devices Are Protected
If you can, you should leave some of your primary devices at home. For instance, you could leave your main cell phone at home and buy a cheap burner instead. This will not only allow you to keep your information safe, but you’ll attract much less attention as well.
If you need a laptop, a good option would be to go for a Chromebook. Chromebooks are usually small, lightweight devices that run on Google’s Chrome OS.
What sets these laptops apart is that most of the apps run directly from the Chrome browser. They are also very cheap and won’t attract as much attention either. And they’re known for being very stable and secure as well. The only issue is that their functionality is greatly reduced when there is no Wi-Fi access, so this is something you should consider if you think the Wi-Fi access where you’re heading to won’t be the most reliable.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi Networks
Navigating on Public Wi-Fi networks unprotected is basically an open invitation to steal your data. Data going over these networks is not encrypted, and anyone with even a basic understanding of hacking could steal personal information about you. For instance, they could get your credit card or online banking info if you decide to log onto your banking account online.
If you can, you should avoid these networks at all costs. If that’s not an option, try to make sure that you don’t exchange sensitive information while you’re connected.
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What to Do in the Case of an Accident
What happens if your laptop suffers severe damage while you’re on vacation? Well, depending on the extent of the damage, you might not be able to recover important information on your own. But you could still have some or all of your data recovered by a data recovery service.
A company like Secure Data Recovery, for instance, has locations all over the US, the UK, Australia, and Mexico, and will be able to look over your hard drive and see if they can recover your data for you. They make it super easy to send your computer to them and arrange for easy delivery or pick up. This could be a great option if the computer contained some important information that you need fast.
Data security is essential at all times, but even more important when you’re far away from home. If you follow these few simple tips, you’ll be able to make sure that your data isn’t compromised during your next trip.