How to Protect Your Laptop and Sensitive Information Abroad

Article and photos by Nora Dunn
4/15/2010 resources updated 2/12/2024 by Transitions Abroad

With an internet connection, freelancing from anywhere in the world is possible. Just be sure to take the appropriate security and backup precautions.

These days, traveling without some kind of access to an internet connection is almost unheard of. Increasingly travel-friendly laptops are being released, and smart phones and other hand-held devices make internet access a cinch. But how do you store all of your user names and passwords and back up your data securely? With hackers and petty thieves at every turn and new security issues arising regularly, traveling securely while protecting your laptop and sensitive information is becoming an art.

Anil Polat worked as a security engineer and hacker (the legal kind!) for almost six years. During this time he became an expert on advising companies how to better secure their networks and systems. He has since taken this expertise on the road, doing freelance security work, and writing about technology and travel. As a traveler he practices what he preaches, knowing how to keep his information secure. He was kind enough to give us some valuable tips on protecting our laptops and sensitive information abroad.

Online Password Storage Services

There are increasing numbers of online password storage services becoming available, which allow you to store a database of your user names and passwords online. Sometimes these services also allow you to store image scans of official documents (like passports) for posterity, which is a great added-value benefit. Some are free, while others carry a monthly or annual charge for their services. There are free or low-cost services used by many digital nomads which allow you to store passwords within their strongly encrypted database with 2-factor authentication included, such as LastPass and 1Password.

Protecting Your Laptop Computer Files

Storing your user names and passwords on your laptop is not infallible. If your laptop is stolen or searched, then unprotected information can be accessed. Alternately if your laptop is the only place you store this information, then theft or damage can leave you stranded.

“There isn't one secure way because as a traveler you're often securing from multiple threats,” says Anil of protecting personal information while traveling. Between prudent use of backups and encryption programs, however, you can minimize and manage the risks.

Anil cautions that simply encrypting your sensitive files will not cut it if you are searched. “Some governments (the U.S. included) can request your laptop at customs. You're legally obligated to give them your login password so simple encryption won't cut it. I like to create encrypted hidden folders and also a visible encrypted “important but not as much” folder in case someone asks.”

On top of this, Anil also encrypts his entire hard drive. The top tools to provide the best encryption evolve yearly to handle new vulnerabilities, and this article on file encryption software provides many options. Anil suggests that setting up this diversification of security measures can take as little as 15 minutes for a novice and might protect you from much bigger hassles down the line.

Backing Up Your Laptop Computer Files

Of course, you are also advised to back up your laptop regularly and to keep the backups in separate places, so the disappearance of your laptop does not also mean the evaporation of your personal information and documents too.

There are a number of ways you can back up your electronic files. Anil, for example, has two backups going all the time. “The first is a 1GB USB drive that is protected using [encrypted] hidden folders. I use this to store very important documents, pictures, and files I'm actively working on.”

As for the second backup (which is of his entire laptop), Anil uses CrashPlan, an online backup service whereby “the free version lets you use other computers as backup destinations. CrashPlan automatically sends my updated files over to an old computer I've got at my parent's house as well as a Mac Mini I leave in a safe place.”

Thinking that Anil would be leery of transmitting his personal data online to back up his data to remote computers, I was surprised when he said he was satisfied with CrashPlan’s encryption process. “CrashPlan encrypts the data being sent online as well as the backup sitting on the other computers. It's technically not the strongest encryption (128-bit Blowfish) but it’s good enough for most people.”

And of course, the biggest factor to consider when backing up your laptop files is keeping your backups separate from your laptop itself. “Traveling with an external drive is great until your backpack is stolen,” says Anil of managing the plethora of on-the-road security concerns.

Alternate backup methods include using a flashdrive, an external hard drive which you keep separate from your laptop, taking advantage of online storage options, or even connecting remotely to a computer at home to which you can download your files (similar to Anil’s plan).

No one backup or storage solution is perfect for everybody. Your personal travel style, habits, and preferences will dictate which method works best for you. After interviewing Anil though, I am inspired to improve my own laptop security plan, and with his suggestions I now have the tools to do it.

Nora Dunn has been a Professional Hobo and freelance writer since 2007, traveling full-time in search of high adventures and great stories to tell. Her latest whereabouts can be discovered at www.theprofessionalhobo.com.