Nine business traveler tips to prepare a laptop for airport security

Aug 15, 2006 3:19 PM

Some companies are beginning to rethink laptop security policies in light of the United Kingdom's ban on electronic devices in airplane cabins, according to a TechWeb report.
Others are pressuring authorities to ease the restrictions, which prevent business travelers leaving the United Kingdom from keeping close tabs on the machines and the sensitive data they contain.
"Although this greatly impacts international business travelers, this could also foreshadow a broader ban and tighter security restrictions on a global basis," John Livingston, chairperson and CEO of Absolute Software, said in a statement. "These precautions make good business sense at anytime -- not just during a period of heightened security. Laptop theft, data security and identity theft are threats that all travelers face on a daily basis."
Absolute Software suggests the following precautions:
1. Use luggage locks approved by the Transportation Security Administration to deter theft.
2. Pack laptops with soft foam or bubble wrap and place laptop bags inside other luggage to protect them from rough handling and to keep them inconspicuous.
3. Use passwords with a combination of numbers and letters, as well as encryption to prevent unauthorized access to laptops and sensitive data.
4. Back-up valuable data before travel to minimize the risk of data loss or lost productivity in case of theft. Since the information is often more valuable than the computer itself, it is important to protect the data as much as possible.
5. Invest in asset tracking and recovery software.
6. Use remote data protection, so sensitive information can be wiped remotely if the laptop is lost or stolen.
7. Carry portable storage devices, such as external thumb drives, for easy access to data in case luggage is delayed or lost.
8. Keep accurate records, including receipts and the computer's make, model, and serial number in a safe place for filing claims.
9. Be sure to shut down the laptop, not leave it in standby or hibernate mode, before packing in luggage.

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