When you have devices you can’t live without, it makes sense that they should come traveling with you. Things like your phone, laptop or headphones can be really useful when you’re traveling, anyway, so leaving them at home wouldn’t really benefit you. However, there is the issue of trying to keep your devices safe when you’re traveling. They could be damaged, lost or stolen if you’re not careful. On top of that, they could get corrupted or hacked if you’re not careful with how you use them.
You need to take some steps to protect your devices so they’re still useful to you as you travel and you don’t lose money or data. You can protect them physically and keep them secure from security threats too.
Protect Your Devices Physically
To begin with, think about how to prevent damage to your devices. Protecting the hardware will also help to protect the software that keeps them running. There are lots of ways to physically protect your devices. Use cases, bags or protective covers to prevent damage from dropping devices or any other impact. Be careful with how you use them too. If you handle them with care, you have a better chance of keeping them safe. Try not to be too obvious about what tech you have with you, especially in some areas where pickpocketing and theft might be more common.
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Take Out Insurance
Travel insurance is always a must when you’re going on a trip, but it’s definitely important if you want to protect your favorite devices. Your travel insurance policy can cover items that get stolen, lost or damaged, but every policy is different. It’s essential to check what your insurance covers before you travel. You might also have insurance for your devices. This can cover you while you’re traveling too, offering you extra protection. However, you still need to check if your devices will be protected in another country.
Get Security Software
Your devices could also be at risk of malware, hacking or other cybersecurity problems. They might have basic protection already, which can help to prevent these issues. But is Windows Defender enough to protect your laptop or do you need additional security? Basic security might be acceptable if you’re a casual internet user who sticks to safe websites. However, you might need something a little more serious if you want stronger protection. More sophisticated antivirus software or a VPN could be two options that help provide an extra layer of security to things like your phone, laptop, or tablet.
Be Careful with Public Networks
Being able to connect to an available WiFi connection is really handy when you’re traveling. It can give you internet access when you really need it, especially if you’re lost or need some information quickly. But you also have to be wary of public connections, which could be unsafe. Even if you’re using a secure connection in your hotel or somewhere similar, it could leave you vulnerable. Be careful about which networks you choose to connect to and what you do while using them. Secure your device with antivirus software or a VPN to help prevent problems.
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Use Secure Codes and Passwords
If you’re using your phone, laptop or another device to manage personal data, it’s crucial to use available security features. A lot of the time this is going to mean using a PIN code, password or another security option that you can use to lock people out of accessing your device or certain apps and accounts. This is particularly important for things like banking and payment apps because you don’t want to give anyone access to your money. Come up with strong passwords and security codes that other people can’t guess.
Keep Track of Your Devices
It can be easier than you think to lose your important devices when you’re traveling. You can end up leaving them on planes and trains, in the back of taxis, or in hotels and restaurants. If you want to avoid losing these devices, you can often turn on a tracking feature. Phones usually have this, or you can download an app for it. Other devices like laptops and headphones can be tracked too. This might be a feature you can use with an account like your Apple or Google account, which can allow you to connect your devices together and find them if you lose them.
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Protect your devices during your travels to protect your data and identity, as well as keep your valuables safe.