How to keep your data secure while traveling

Thinking of bringing your corporate laptop abroad? Think twice.

It's not just your luggage that you need to watch.
(Image credit: iStockphoto)

Are data thieves the new pickpockets? Travelers have long been advised to zip their cash into money-belts, lock up their suitcases, and watch out for purse snatchers. Meanwhile, they don't always follow that same advice when it comes to protecting their data, choosing insecure passwords for email accounts, leaving laptops unprotected, and downloading unknown attachments from unfamiliar emails.

Business travelers, especially, are in the cross-hairs. Just think of all the new opportunities would-be thieves have: Meetings once held in person are now streamed via Skype, vital account information is just a password away, and documents can be accessed around the world thanks to a free Google or Dropbox account. All of that comes with an element of risk.

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Matt Hansen has written and edited for a series of online magazines, newspapers, and major marketing campaigns. He is currently active in press freedom and safety research with Global Journalist Security.