I love to travel and explore new places, but as a digital nomad, my laptop is my lifeline. Having my laptop damaged, lost or stolen while traveling would be devastating both personally and professionally. Over the years, I’ve learned some key strategies for keeping my laptop secure and protected during my travels. Here are my top 7 tips:
1. Invest in a good laptop bag
A high-quality laptop bag is worth the investment if you travel frequently. Look for a bag that is designed specifically for travel and has good padding to protect your laptop from bumps and falls. I prefer backpacks over messenger bags, as backpacks distribute the weight better and are harder for thieves to snatch. Some great features to look for include:
- Padded shoulder straps
- Lockable zippers
- Zippered pockets to secure small valuables
- Luggage strap to attach to your carry-on
- Water-resistant material
My current travel laptop bag is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack, which has been excellent.
2. Use a TSA-compliant laptop sleeve
A TSA-compliant laptop sleeve allows you to go through airport security without removing your laptop from the bag. This speeds up the screening process and reduces the risk of leaving your laptop behind at the checkpoint.
Look for a laptop sleeve that completely surrounds and protects all sides of your laptop. It should be snug but not too tight. The WaterField Designs laptop sleeve that I use is perfect – it’s slim yet offers excellent padding.
3. Back up your data
Before any trip, back up your laptop data to an external hard drive and/or a cloud storage service. Backing up ensures you won’t lose your files if your laptop is damaged, lost or stolen.
I back up to both a portable hard drive and OneDrive cloud storage. I also make sure my most important documents are synced to OneDrive so I can access them from anywhere if needed.
4. Password protect and encrypt your laptop
Setting a strong password and encrypting your laptop’s hard drive is vital for security. A password prevents unauthorized access if your laptop is stolen. Encryption scrambles your data so it can’t be accessed without the password.
On Windows, BitLocker makes encryption easy. For Macs, turn on FileVault. Use a complex alphanumeric password that would be difficult to crack.
5. Consider installing tracking software
Tracking software for laptops allows you to remotely monitor and control your device if it’s lost or stolen. Some good options include:
- Prey – Open source software for Windows, Mac, Linux and Android. Offers a wide range of tracking features.
- Undercover – Tracks Mac laptops even when offline. Can remotely capture photos and location.
- Tile – Small tracking devices you can attach to your laptop’s exterior to help locate it.
Evaluate the features to choose what fits your needs. Tracking software can potentially help recover your laptop.
6. Handle your laptop carefully in transit
Keep your laptop in its protective bag when moving through airports, train stations, etc. When going through security, remove your laptop last at the checkpoint and put it back into its bag first before gathering other items.
On planes, avoid checking your laptop if possible – keep it in your carry-on bag. If you must check it, ask for fragile tags and bubble wrap to minimize risk of damage.
7. Be cautious when using your laptop in public
Limit laptop use in crowded public areas where theft is a risk. On planes, trains and buses, choose a seat where your screen isn’t visible to others. Avoid leaving your laptop unattended anywhere in public.
In restaurants, don’t place your laptop on a seat or the floor where it can be accidentally knocked over. Don’t let it out of your sight.
Staying vigilant will help deter opportunistic thieves looking for unattended laptops to grab.
By taking proper precautions, you can minimize the risks of laptop damage, loss or theft during your travels. Follow these 7 tips and research other best practices. Paying attention to laptop security gives you peace of mind so you can comfortably travel with your indispensable digital companion.
