How to keep your laptop and phone safe while traveling

When your laptop and phone are your office, your lifeline, and your connection to clients and home, their security is not a small detail. Losing a device to theft, damage, or a software failure can be a major disruption to your work and travel plans. It means losing not just expensive hardware, but potentially your data, your access to accounts, and your ability to earn an income.

This guide provides practical strategies for protecting your devices and the information they hold. It covers creating a reliable backup system, reducing the risk of theft, and connecting to the internet securely while you are on the road.

Build a solid backup system

A good backup strategy is your most important safety net. Hardware can be replaced, but your data may be gone forever. Relying on a single backup method is risky, as that backup could also be lost, stolen, or fail. The best approach is to use multiple layers of protection, including both physical and online backups.

The 3-2-1 backup rule

A widely recognized strategy for data security is the 3-2-1 rule. It provides a simple framework for creating a resilient backup system.

• Three copies of your data: Keep the original data on your main device, plus at least two additional copies.
• Two different storage types: Do not save all your backups on the same kind of media. For example, use your computer’s internal drive, an external hard drive, and a cloud storage service. This protects you if a certain type of storage fails.
• One copy offsite: Keep at least one backup copy in a different physical location from your other devices. For a traveler, this offsite copy is usually a cloud-based backup.

If your laptop and external drive are stolen from the same bag, your cloud backup ensures your data is still recoverable. This redundancy is key to protecting your work and personal files from almost any scenario.

Set up automated backups

Manual backups are easy to forget. The most effective backup system is one that runs automatically without you having to think about it. Most operating systems have built-in tools that can automate backups to an external drive whenever it is connected. Similarly, many cloud storage services have applications that sync your files automatically in the background whenever you are connected to the internet.

Set a schedule that makes sense for your work. If you create important files daily, your backups should run daily. For less critical data, a weekly backup might be sufficient. Test your backups occasionally by trying to restore a file. A backup system is only useful if you know it works and you know how to use it.

Protect your devices from theft

Theft is a major concern for anyone carrying expensive electronics. While you can never eliminate the risk completely, you can make yourself a much less attractive target. This involves physical security measures, situational awareness, and securing your accommodation.

Physical security in public

When you are in cafes, coworking spaces, or airports, never leave your devices unattended, not even for a minute. A laptop can disappear in the time it takes to order another coffee. If you must step away, pack up your things and take them with you.

• Keep your gear discreet. Avoid flashy laptop bags that advertise what is inside. A generic backpack or messenger bag draws less attention.
• Maintain contact. When sitting, keep your bag on your lap or loop a strap around your leg or a chair leg. On public transport, hold your bag in front of you.
• Use a physical lock. A quality laptop security cable can be a useful deterrent in some settings, like a hotel room or a quiet coworking space. It allows you to lock your laptop to a heavy or immovable object.

Choosing secure accommodation

Your hotel room, hostel, or rental apartment is your home base. Make sure it is secure. When you find accommodation for a working holiday, look for places with good reviews regarding safety. Features to look for include a 24-hour reception, keycard access, and, most importantly, a secure in-room locker or safe that is large enough for your laptop. Use it every time you leave your room.

If your room lacks a secure storage option, consider a portable travel safe. This is a slash-proof fabric bag with a wire mesh and a locking cable, allowing you to secure your valuables to a permanent fixture in the room, like a steel pipe or a heavy piece of furniture.

What to do if your device is stolen

Discovering your laptop or phone is gone is a stressful experience. Having a plan in place can help you act quickly to minimize the damage.

Secure your data and accounts immediately

Your first priority is to protect your digital life. Use a different device, like a backup phone or a public computer in a safe location, to log in to your key accounts and secure them.

1. Lock or wipe the device. Use the built-in device location or remote wipe features on your phone or laptop to remotely lock the device and display a message. If you believe the device is gone for good, initiate a remote wipe to erase all your data. This is why backups are so important.
2. Change your passwords. Start with your primary email account, as it is often the key to resetting other passwords. Then, change passwords for your banking, cloud storage, and any other sensitive accounts. If you use a password manager, you can do this more efficiently.
3. Notify your banks. If you stored any financial information on the device, contact your banks to alert them to the potential for fraudulent activity.

File a police report

As soon as possible, go to the local police station to file a report. This is often required for any travel insurance claim. Be prepared for the process to take time and potentially involve a language barrier. Bring your passport and any serial numbers or identifying details you have for the stolen items. Get a written copy of the report for your records.

The process for filing a report and the type of documentation you receive can differ significantly between countries. The police may be able to provide an official report for insurance purposes even if there is little chance of recovering the item.

Use public Wi-Fi safely

Free Wi-Fi is a convenient resource, but public networks are not secure. Anyone on the same network can potentially intercept the information you send and receive. It is essential to take precautions, especially when handling work or financial data.

Use a VPN or personal hotspot

The most effective way to secure your connection on public Wi-Fi is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, creating a private tunnel through the public network. This makes it extremely difficult for anyone to spy on your activity or steal your information.

An even better alternative is to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether for sensitive tasks. Use your phone as a personal hotspot instead. This creates a password-protected Wi-Fi network that is much more secure than an open public one. Check your mobile phone plan’s data allowances and roaming rules, as using a hotspot can consume data quickly. Getting a local SIM or eSIM for data can be a cost-effective option.

Practice good security habits

Whether you use a VPN or not, basic security hygiene is critical. Make sure your device’s software firewall is turned on. Avoid logging into banking, email, or other critical accounts on public networks if you can help it. If you must, ensure the website address starts with HTTPS, which indicates an encrypted connection to that specific site. Be wary of networks that are not password-protected or have generic names like ‘Free Wi-Fi’, as they could be malicious networks set up to capture data.

Check before you go

Security practices, insurance coverage, and local laws vary by your nationality and destination. Always verify the most current details with official sources before you travel.

• Your travel insurer: Confirm the specific coverage limits for electronics, the requirements for filing a theft claim, and any exclusions in your policy.
• The local police or embassy in your destination: Ask for information on the correct procedure for reporting a crime as a foreigner if this information is not easily available online.
• Your bank or credit card provider: Inform them of your travel plans to avoid account freezes and ask about their fraud protection policies and emergency contact procedures.
• Your mobile phone service provider: Check the costs and terms for international roaming, data usage, and using your phone as a personal hotspot abroad.