Protecting Your Laptop While On the Go
by E. Conn, Published 1.8.08
Working from home, or while traveling is becoming more and more accepted and common. Many mobile professionals are utilizing laptops, and in some cases multifunction PDAs to stay productive while away from the office.
Of course laptops that are away from the office can also expose them to the possibility of theft, not only of the laptop itself, but also of critical personal and company information.
Laptop users need to take care to protect their precious cargo, and here are some suggestions on how to do just that.
- Use Alternate Bags for Carrying Your Laptop. While laptop cases are nice, and come with lots of features, there are now many alternative laptop carrying cases on the market that can protect your laptop while on the move, and also don’t easily let on that there is a computer inside. Backpack laptop cases are a good example of this.
- Keep Passwords Secure. Keep passwords or access information away from your laptop and outside of its case. Nothing would make it easier to access private information than essentially handing over the laptop along with your passwords.
- Put Encryption on Your Data. By encrypting your data, you protect it even if someone gains access. Both Windows and Apple offer built-in encryption options, and some hardware manufacturers (such as Lenovo) offer hard drives with encryption as well.
- Don’t Check Your Laptop In. You should always choose to keep your laptop on your person. Any time its out of
 your site and possession means there is a chance you won’t see it again. Also, if you leave it in your car, always cover it up, or lock it in the trunk.
- Don’t Let Your Laptop Out of Your Site. As you sit at the terminal waiting to board your plane, or while you are having a cocktail or lunch in the airport, or when you are going through security, always keep your eyes on your laptop and make sure that wherever possible your case is tied down (around your chair, on your arm, etc.)
- Keep Your Eyes on Your Laptop. When you go through airport security don't lose sight of your bag. Hold your bag until the person in front of you has gone through the metal detector. Many bags look alike and yours can easily be lost in the shuffle.
- Secure Your Laptop With a Protective Cable. If you use your laptop at your desk at home and work, you can purchase an inexpensive cable that will secure your laptop to your desk. This way would-be thieves cannot easily pick it up and walk out with it.
- Utilize a Screen Guard to Avoid Prying Eyes. Screen guards can help you, especially on planes, to keep eyes off of your private work.
- Aluminim Cases Provide the Ultimate in Protection. If you are concerned with the possiblity of your laptop getting smashed or banged up, you might consider an affordable aluminim laptop case to protect your valuable asset.
With a little common sense, and the use of some inexpensive tools, you can keep your laptop safe and secure.
By E. Conn, Published 1.8.2008
-------------------------------------------
About the Author:
E. Conn is a freelance writer living in New York
| 
