If you travel around with your laptop, you may be creating a risk for you business. This is because you are more likely to have your company data stolen when you step outside your office or home. Particularly hotels have been a hotspot for hacker activities, as many guest as business travelers. A laptop doesn’t necessarily have to be stolen. All a hacker has to do is download all your confidential information onto a USB stick, the entire process can take only a few minutes. Using software such as Mailpassview, criminals are able to grab all your password and usernames in a matter of seconds. It can be quite scary to know that your password can be stolen right under your nose. Luckily you can take the following steps to ensure the security of your laptop.
Encrypt your data:
First, users should understand that all their sensitive data needs to be organized in folders. Prioritize which information belongs where and create subfolders accordingly. Users should safeguard their sensitive information with folder encryption software. Such software is capable of creating individual encrypted lockers which can be password protected. Users are also able to backup these encrypted folders to a dedicated cloud server which also encrypt the data on another level. Hence users’ data is encrypted with two layers, making it impossible to steal confidential corporate or personal information.
Setup a strong Windows password:
If your laptop doesn’t have a password setup, you are making a grave mistake taking it out on a trip. Your password is the first line of defense that will keep hackers out of your PC. Sure, hackers might be able to eventually get through your system, but a password will buy you valuable time. Also make sure that your password is strong. Using passwords such as ‘12345’ ‘password’ ‘abc123’ or hilariously ‘monkey’ will get you no protection.
Disable your CD drive and USB ports:
Your CD drive and USB ports are like a faucet, all one has to do is turn the valve and out comes the data. Consequently, if there’s no water in the faucet, it won’t leak. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to disable your CD and USB ports temporarily – at least when you’re travelling on business. It’s quite easy to disable them, all one has to do is modify the Bios settings and disable external rives.
Use VPN software:
Public WI-FI connections are generally free and unsecured. If you have to connect to these networks, make sure that your connection is encrypted. Hackers have access to sophisticated software which can connect to victims PC and spy on them. Eventually, your passwords and usernames can be stolen without you ever suspecting a thing. Using a Virtual Private Network ensures that your identity is hidden and your connection to the internet are encrypted. In a nutshell, your information cannot be hacked by criminals, no matter what type of tools they may be using to intercept your information.
Protect Privacy When Travel
1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to ensure your online privacy while travelling. A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to monitor your online activity.
2. Use a Private Browser: Private browsers such as Tor and DuckDuckGo offer additional privacy protection by blocking trackers and cookies, as well as encrypting your web traffic.
3. Use a Secure Connection
Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling
1. Secure your devices: Make sure to secure your devices with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
2. Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to monitor your online activity.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, so it’s best to avoid them when possible.
4. Be wary of phishing scams: Be aware of phishing scams
Key Risk Factors Consider Before Travelling
1. Unsecured networks: Unsecured networks are susceptible to hacking, so make sure to only connect to secure networks.
2. Unencrypted data: Data that is not encrypted can be intercepted and viewed by anyone.
3. Malware: Malware can be installed on a computer or device without the user’s knowledge, so make sure to keep your devices and software up to date.
4. Unauthorized access: Unauthorized access to sensitive information can lead to leak data.
Risks Of Travelling
1. Theft or loss of personal items: Ensure that you keep your belongings safe and secure when travelling.
2. Health risks: Different countries have different health risks, so make sure to do your research and stay safe.
3. Language barrier: It’s important to be aware of the language barrier when travelling to a new country.
4. Cultural differences: Different countries have different cultural norms and expectations, so it’s important to be aware of these differences.
Top Safest Ways To Travel
1. Plan ahead: Research your destination and plan your itinerary in advance.
2. Stay informed: Read up on local laws and customs before you travel.
3. Choose safe transport: Use public transport, taxis or carpools to get around.
4. Be aware of your surroundings: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings when travelling.
5. Stay in touch: Let family and friends know your whereabouts.
6. Protect your documents: Keep your passport and other
Principles Of Security
1. Confidentiality: Ensure that sensitive data is kept secure and only accessed by authorized personnel.
2. Integrity: Ensure that data is not modified or corrupted without authorization.
3. Availability: Ensure that data is accessible when needed.
4. Authentication: Ensure that users are who they say they are.
5. Authorization: Ensure that users have the appropriate level of access.
6. Non-repudiation: Ensure that actions taken cannot be denied or reversed.
5 D’S Of Security
1. Deterrence: Use measures to discourage potential attackers.
2. Detection: Use measures to detect malicious activities.
3. Denial: Use measures to deny access to unauthorized users.
4. Defense: Use measures to protect against malicious activities.
5. Response: Use measures to respond to security incidents.
Safety And Security Important In Travel
Safety and security are important in travel for a variety of reasons. Travelers are often exposed to a variety of risks, such as theft, physical harm, or even terrorism. By instituting safety and security measures, travelers can reduce their risk of becoming a victim of such threats. Additionally, safety and security measures can help ensure that travelers are able to enjoy their trip without worrying about their safety. Finally, safety and security measures can help to ensure that travelers are able to return home safely.
Travel Free And Safely
There are a few ways to travel free and safely. First, you should always be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to stay safe while traveling. This includes avoiding areas with high crime rates, staying in well-lit areas, and not carrying large amounts of cash or valuables. Additionally, you should research the area you are visiting and learn about the local laws and customs.
What To Avoid While Traveling?
It is important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling and to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Some things to avoid include:
– Walking alone at night or in unfamiliar places
– Carrying large amounts of cash or valuables
– Going to areas with high crime rates
– Not being aware of local laws and customs
– Not researching the area you are visiting
– Not having a plan for emergencies or unexpected events
Elements Of Data Security
The elements of data security are confidentiality, integrity, availability, and authentication.
Confidentiality ensures that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.
Integrity ensures that data is accurate and complete and that it has not been altered in any way.
Availability ensures that data is accessible when needed.
Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user or device in order to grant access to data or resources.
Summary:
Keeping your data secure requires that users encrypt their data, password lock their PCs and use a virtual private network to secure their connection.