Protect Your Data When Traveling
There is nothing more unsettling than being separated from your computer, if only for a few moments. And with the advent of the summer travel season, especially if flights are involved, it’s almost inevitable that separation will happen.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the TSA have recently announced new regulations that ban technology larger than smartphones on certain flights heading in and out of the country. In fact, the Trump administration ordered nine airlines to prevent passengers from bringing computers and tablets into the cabin for U.S. bound flights. Instead, those devices must now be carried in the hold.
In addition, many airlines now specifically state they will not be held liable if these devices are lost, broken ... or breached.
If you encounter a situation where your personal computer is required to be stored in a checked bag, there are several steps you can take to protect your device and your data.
It seems simple enough, but most travelers don’t take this all-important measure. Be sure to frequently backup your devices before traveling in the event of loss or damage.
2. Consider your content.
Not all data is valuable. But you may want to consider removing important personal or business data from your devices before you travel.
3. Consider external storage.
Sometimes it’s necessary to bring secure information with you during travel. One solution is to put that data onto a smaller external storage device that can be easily stored in your pocket or carry-on baggage.
4. Encrypt and password-protect.
At a minimum, you must protect your passwords. This makes it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access your data in case it is lost or stolen. CranstonIT can help you make it even more secure by fully encrypting your device. Ask us how!
5. Pack properly.
We all know cargo bags are abused. To protect your valuable and delicate device, consider tough cases such as UrbanArmor or Otterbox in sizes that can still fit in your luggage.
6. Enable location tracking.
There are now many available apps that can track the location of your devices. Investing in such apps such as FollowMee or GPS Tracker offer security and peace of mind and may well pay dividends for years to come. Contact Cranston IT for more information and additional product recommendations.