As we travel for the holidays ..ways to keep data safe

Greetings all

It’s that time of year for travel to meet loved ones, or maybe just because you feel like traveling to a different location. Most of you will travel with one or more of your electronic devices. If you do there is a risk of things being lost or stolen. To make it less of a worrisome issue there are some things you can do.

First ask yourself if you really need to take it with you? You are going on vacation, so don’t you want to get away from the distractions? If you still want to take them with you then here are some tips.

Back up the data

• If they are stolen or broken you still have the data for them in a safe place. Also make sure you have things like serial numbers for the devices and support numbers as well. They will help calm you knowing you have them handy should there be issues. Make sure the backup is correct, its no good to have what you think is a backup and when trying to restore the device find the backup is no good.

Change the password

• If you have not changed them in a few years its time to do so. I am not one to say change them every month but you should do a password change at least once a year, and use a long complex type. There are many sites that will give ideas on how to come up with random ones that you can remember. And not the type that you just a one number for each month because your forced to change them every month at some places.
• Change the password before you leave, then change it again when you return home.

Remove personal data

• Of all the devices, your phone could be the most personal. It keeps track of more information than most any device we have ever came up with in our history. If you feel you need to take it then is there information you can remove from it. Also, if you need to take other electronic devices, then check those as well, and remove as much personal information from them as possible.
• Take less personal devices
• Again, ask yourself, “do you need to take this device?” You are going on vacation, so think about taking a book or some other object to occupy your time. You are on vacation so it means getting away from things. If you still feel the need then again remove files or data you really do not need.

Things to note when traveling

• Watch your device, keep a close eye on it wherever you are. Keep it out of sight unless needed.
• Do not auto connect to any, repeat ANY WiFi location. If you have your own cell service use that, not the locations WiFi.
• Don’t install any apps no matter how cute they are unless you are doing it from your home or a location you know for sure is secure.
• If you have a cell hot-spot then use that for your other electronic connected devices.
• Do not charge your device from a public charging location. Use your own charging accessories for all your devices, just remember to take them of course.
• Books do not require batteries and few people have interest in stealing them.

Have a happy and safe holiday to all and may all your data be safe..