Dec, 2015 : Security and Backup Tips for the Business Traveler

📅 December 22, 2015 - When you are a business traveler, security is of extra importance. Not only do you need to be aware of your company's data security, but backing up your work is crucial as well. Backups are often overlooked on personal computers which leads people into a panic when files are lost and they are trying to recover them.

For a business owner, it's a different story when your computer's files suddenly vanish and you don't have a backup in place. You have a responsibility to the company to make sure your files are backed up, your data is safe, and you are handling your work tasks while traveling. Here is a look at how to make sure your security and backup strategies are in place as you travel for work.

Start with backing up


It's a good idea to start by backing up your data. Regular backups are important can be done by purchasing a small UBS drive that connects to your computer. Keep it connected to your computer and setup the backup through Windows or Mac. That way, in the case that your laptop dies or is unavailable, you'll have access to your files through the USB which can be carried anywhere.

Security


Are you simply shutting your laptop lid and neglecting to shut down? You may think it's a pain to wait for it to shut down but it's not a good idea to simply shut the screen. In fact, you are risking your security because anytime a USB is plugged into your laptop while it's still on (regardless of the lid open or shut), your data can be copied onto the flash drive.

You may try to go to lunch and someone could steal your data without you even knowing. This is also a risk for mobile phones and tablets; shut all of your equipment down or set passwords to avoid this risk.

Have you set up encryption? While a password is important, encryption offers even more protection in the case of theft or a loss. If you store customer's data for a law office or insurance company for example, a lost laptop with compromised data can be a disaster. Encrypt all of your laptop, tablet, and any other mobile device's data and back it up to avoid a big problem. This refers to the entire physical drive rather than just folders.

Final notes


Once you've backed up, you need to keep the backup with you wherever you go. For the traveler, keep it in your hotel room's safe. It's probably the safest option to keep your backup. You can also keep backups online but you need to have firewalls up to block connection requests which can be done with an IT staff member.

For any connection you make in a hotel, restaurant, café, etc., be sure to enable VPN because it's encrypted by default and your data won't be compromised. It's the most secure option compared to the hotel's network, despite its slower connection.

Lastly, be sure to keep a powerbank or spare battery with you for your phone, laptop, or tablets because you may otherwise be forced to share a charge box station at the airport. Use these tips to stay secure and make traveling nothing to be stressed with while you run your business.