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How to Protect Your Data and Devices While Traveling

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Traveling today is so much easier with technology. You can stay productive, entertained, and in touch. For many, having a cell phone or other electronic device is a critical part of having a great travel experience and an integral part of daily life. Unfortunately, traveling with devices can mean increased risks for keeping your personal data private as well as the potential for device theft.

Here are some steps you can take to help secure your devices and your privacy.

  • Travel only with the data that you need. That means leaving some of your devices at home, using temporary devices, removing personal data from your devices, or shifting your data to a secure data storage;
  • Protect your data. Perform a full backup of the data that you leave at home and consider enabling encryption feature for your device;
  • Update any software, including anti-virus protection, to make sure you are running the most secure version available;
  • Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to avoid unexpectedly automatic connections;
  • Turn on “Find My [Device Name]” tracking and/or remote wiping options in case it is lost or stolen;
  • Well prepared. Especially, charge your devices before you go;
  • Be aware of the risk of committing an offense. Clear your devices of any content that may be considered illegal or questionable in other countries, and verify whether the location you are traveling to has restrictions on encrypted digital content;
  • Don’t overlook low-tech solutions:
    • Tape over the camera of your laptop or mobile device for privacy;
    • Be aware of people “shoulder surfing” for personal information;
    • Keep your devices on you whenever possible, or use a hotel safe;
    • Label all devices in case they get left behind!