Travelers should treat their laptops like cash
Firewalls and anti-virus/spyware software are the keys to keeping the information on your laptop from getting into the wrong hands. The Federal Trade Commission says to keep your laptop from being stolen, treat it like cash. Keep it locked and your passwords in another location. Don’t leave it in the trunk of your car or under the driver’s seat, not even for “just a minute.” Take it with you wherever you go. Pay attention at airports and hotels, where laptop theft tends to happen more frequently. In hotels, put your laptop in the room safe or lock it with a security cable to a heavy piece of furniture. Laptop security is one of several topics covered at the FTC’s interactive security Web site www.onlineonguard.gov.
