Working remotely comes with freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with a unique set of privacy and security concerns, especially if you’re on the move a lot. Whether you’re hopping on flights or setting up in a local café for the day, your laptop holds sensitive information that needs to be protected at all times.
Here are some smart ways to keep your laptop and data safe while working remotely.
Use a Padded, Anti-Theft Laptop Bag
If you’re traveling with your laptop—whether it’s personal or for work—you need more than just a regular backpack. Theft and accidental damage are real concerns, especially in busy and crowded areas like airports and train stations. A recent Fox News report even revealed organized theft rings targeting travelers in major U.S. airports.
Invest in a high-quality laptop bag or backpack that includes thick padding and anti-theft features like hidden zippers, cut-resistant straps, or lockable compartments. Not only does this protect your device from bumps and falls, but it also deters opportunistic thieves looking for easy targets.
Install Tracking and Remote Wipe Software
If your laptop ever goes missing, the ability to locate it or wipe it is essential. Enable built-in features like Find My Device (Windows) or Find My Mac, and consider adding extra tracking via apps or even discreet devices like Apple AirTags.
More important though is the ability to remotely erase data. If your laptop ever falls into the wrong hands, you’ll want to be able to erase its contents immediately to protect sensitive work files, client data, and login credentials from falling into the wrong hands.
Use a VPN on All Public Wi-Fi Connections
One of the biggest digital risks remote professionals face is connecting to public Wi-Fi. Whether you’re catching up on emails in a hotel lobby or streaming a quick webinar in a coffee shop, you should never connect to public networks without protection. Hackers can easily set up fake hotspots or intercept data on unsecured networks, putting your emails, passwords, and company files at risk.
This is where using a VPN for chrome can make a major difference, as it ensures your connection is encrypted, shielding sensitive data like logins, financial records, and internal documents from prying eyes. It can also help bypass content restrictions and avoid bandwidth throttling by your ISP.
Back Up Your Data Before and During Travel
Never rely on just your laptop to store critical files. Always expect the unexpected – laptops can be lost, stolen, or simply stop working at the worst possible time. Use cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive for automatic backups and to ensure you have real-time access to your latest work. For added protection, travel with a compact external SSD – these drives offer fast, secure storage and serve as a reliable offline backup. Backing up regularly ensures that if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, your work is still safe and recoverable from anywhere.
Lock Your Screen and Use Strong Passwords
A quick moment away from your screen is all it takes for someone to access your data. Always lock your laptop when stepping away and use strong passwords or biometric logins like fingerprints or facial recognition for added protection. Consider installing a privacy screen to block visual hackers from peeking at your display in public spaces.
These filters are especially helpful in airports, shared offices, and cafés (3M’s privacy screen solutions) are a great place to start. By taking these simple steps, you can protect your laptop while enjoying the perks of working from anywhere. Stay smart, stay safe, and stay connected.
