Protecting private or sensitive data is something that everyone should be concerned with today. It seems hardly a week goes by without news reports of another stolen laptop with sensitive or confidential data on it. Some reports suggest as many as two million laptop computers are stolen each year in the US alone - and don't forget about the data that is routinely stored and transported on MP3 players, mobile phones and USB memory drives.

Your data is perhaps most at-risk when you are traveling. Traveling greatly increases the risk of your laptop or other electronic equipment being lost or stolen. Traveling may also expose your computer to unsecure Internet or network connections that hackers can use to steal data from your computer. The following tips will help you protect your data while you are traveling. Choose from the tips that most apply to your situation.

• Never carry written copies of your passwords or PINs with you when you are traveling. If you must write them down at least store them in separate place from your laptop or wallet.
• Consider attaching personal anti-theft devices to your bags. No thief wants to walk through an airport or hotel with an alarm screeching on the stolen bag they are carrying!
• Implementing BIOS and hard drive password locking on your laptop to make it difficult to access your data if your laptop is stolen.
• Encrypt folders containing sensitive data to reduce the chances that a thief or hacker will be able to access your data.
• Backup all important data from your laptop, PDA, etc. before you leave for your trip. Store your backup data in a secure place.
• Bring *copies* of only the data you need while you are traveling.
• Update the firewall, anti-virus and intrusion-detection software on your laptop before you leave home. This will guarantee you are protected against many of the current threats against your data.
• Use removable media to store sensititve data. Storing your data on removable media like a USB memory drive, CD, DVD or portable HD allows you to easily remove all data from your laptop. Carry the removable media with you rather than leaving it unattended in your hotel room.
• Turn off your Bluetooth or WiFi connections when you are not using them. This will reduce the risk of hackers accessing your system wirelessly.
• Do not leave your laptop, PDA, or mobile phone unattended - even in a hotel room. Carrying your data on removable media and store your laptop in the hotel room safe when you leave the room.
• Use encryption like a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever you are using a public Internet connection. Public Internet services do not guarantee the security of the connection.
• Never use public Internet kiosks for any type of work, financial or sensitive information. You have absolutely no control over the security of public Internet kiosks.
• Change all passwords after each trip as a precaution.
• Set up a restricted user account on your laptop for use while you are traveling and then wipe the account when you return home. Coupling this technique with storing your data on removable media can reduce your risk.
• Turn off file and printer sharing (if you normally have it enabled) before you travel. Allowing sharing could allow everyone in your hotel to browse your computer!
• Test your firewall software before leaving using one of several online testing services (www.grc.com).
• Carry your laptop in a case that is inconspicuous. Choose something that does not advertise you are carrying an expensive laptop computer.
• Lock mobile devices in the trunk of your car if you must leave them unattended. Don't forget to consider the temperature though - heat and cold can be very damaging to electronic equipment.
• Review your passwords for strength. Longer passwords comprised of letters and numbers are best.
• Use shredder software to destroy deleted files. Just because you deleted those files from your hard drive does not mean someone cannot retrieve them later.
• Use a laptop cable lock or audible security cable alarm to help secure your laptop.
• Don't leave your laptop, PDA or phone near windows - whether in the car or your hotel. Thieves will smash the window to grab valuable equipment left just inside.

Protecting your data is always important. Traveling with your data creates some additional risks though and it is worth developing a plan to keep your information safe. Setting aside a few minutes before your trip to prepare your data and any electronic equipment you will be bringing can save you countless hours and dollars later on.