3 min read
6th June 2019

Laptop security

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laptop

Like most people that carry a laptop, yours is probably a vital part of your personal or professional life, you'll want to be sure to protect your laptop when you are travelling. Many people who have laptops consider them and every day, ordinary item, and they don't protect their laptop as much as they should.

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When you travel your laptop can easily be stolen or damaged if you don't take the appropriate steps to secure your belongings.

The following are a few tips to help you travel safely and efficiently with your laptop:

  1. If you are debating whether you should carry your laptop onto the plane with you or check it, you need not debate anymore.
    1. You should definitely carry your laptop onto the plane with you. Put yourself in the airline baggage handlers' position. They expect items such as clothing to be stored within the luggage that they put in the hold, so if you pack your expensive laptop it will get tossed around and it won't be treated like the fragile object that it is.
    2. Insure your laptop against damage & theft.
  2. When you carry the laptop onto the plane with you, you should keep it stowed under the seat in front of you instead of putting it in the overhead storage. The simple reason for this is that you cannot legislate for other people's behaviour and as a result, they may bump, bruise, move, and possibly even drop your laptop as they store their items or get into their bags stored next to yours.
  3. As you probably know, people travelling with laptop computers are usually required to turn it on and show that it is nothing more than a working computer. If you would rather not be slowed down by this visual security inspection, you can actually anticipate this and turn your computer on before you get to the security checkpoint. It's amazing how much time your laptop can take to power up when you are running late for your plane. Just be sure that you plan accordingly and charge the battery before leaving home.
  4. Be vigilant at all times, you may be using your laptop while you are waiting for your plane — be wary of other people who may peer over your shoulder or expresses interest in your laptop. Many people ask questions and watch people with laptops waiting for the most opportune time to steal it from them. You shouldn't assume that everyone out there that expresses interest in your laptop wants to steal it, but it happens more often than you would think so it's better not to draw attention to your laptop or yourself while using it.
  5. When travelling with your laptop do not to let it out of your sight. Even if you have to use the bathroom or are just running across the way to grab a cup of coffee, you should not leave your laptop. The only exception to this rule is if you are travelling with someone that you know and trust. Many people believe that they can ask the nice woman or man sitting next to them to ‘keep an eye' on their belongings while they make their way to the bathroom or to get that cup of coffee, only to come back and find that nice person and their laptop is gone. It's better to be safe than sorry.
  6. Finally, remember to check your travel insurance policy and ensure that this covers your laptop in the event that it is stolen or damaged. If you need travel insurance, visit our travel insurance page.

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