Did you plan to work from your favorite café or a nearby airport lounge? You had been trying to concentrate on your office work but couldn’t. It means you felt concerned about securing your laptop at the public site. Working in a public place is a good idea. But, you should know how to secure your laptop in public places to work.
Our brief guide will turn your anxiety into confidence.
Never Let Others Operate Your Business Laptop
As remote work has become a trend, you often carry your laptop on your travels. It is obviously advantageous to have your business laptop with you. You can easily work on your projects from any place. But, what will you do if your fellow traveler wants to check their emails using your business laptop?
To secure your laptop, you must say NO to strangers. You may politely decline your travel buddy’s request. However, what should you do if your close relatives make the same request?
As your business laptop has sensitive details. Do not hesitate to give a negative response to them, also. Although they may not steal data, their reckless usage will expose your company’s data to hackers.
Check Wi-Fi- Be Careful About Public Wi-Fi
Busy corporate people want to access internet connectivity on the go. So, have you also turned on a Wi-Fi hotspot from your mobile? It does not allow you to share your network with others. Thus, it is undoubtedly a safe choice that secures your laptop. But, the main challenge arises when you do not have good signal strength and a data plan.
If you like to know how to secure your laptop in public places to work, be careful about using public Wi-Fi. From airports to cafes, most public places offer multiple internet networks. So, you have to choose one wisely.
Do not provide too detailed information while using public internet connectivity. You may also create a disposable email ID to sign up with public Wi-Fi.
Moreover, try to visit websites that show a lock symbol in the address bar.
Protect Your Sensitive Data
It is risky to connect your device to the public Wi-Fi network. You do not know other users or the person who owns the connection. So, never log into the network using your important data. For instance, do not use a public network for online banking.
Some experts recommend running a Virtual Private Network on the device because it adds an extra protection layer. If you have no VPN, update the device and browser. However, most Windows and macOS devices have built-in protection.
Ensure an Encrypted Hard Drive
We rely on a secure vault to lock valuable possessions. The same idea is applicable to hard drive encryption. If you have ever allowed an unauthentic person to use your laptop, encryption prevents access to data. That user would not be able to access your data without the correct code or password. So, encrypt the hard disk and secure your laptop in public places.
This extra security layer is also crucial when you are traveling somewhere.
Back Up Your Data
Your laptop is no doubt a costly device that you never like to lose. But, the more precious thing is the data stored in your device. For any unexpected reason, your laptop may get lost or damaged. So, how will you keep your business-related or personal information safe?
Your data needs to be backed up in advance. It will save you from the concern about losing data.
Someone Is Watching! A Safe Assumption
If you are concerned about how to secure your laptop in public places to work, stay alert. At public places, someone could try to watch or spy on your activities.
So, take extra care while typing out your credit card number and password. Moreover, while revealing anything about your company through video calls or emails, stay vigilant.
Never leave your device unattended. Still, if you have done so, lock the user account with a strong password. Use Win+L (Windows) or Cmd+Q (macOS) to lock in the account.
You may also choose a trusted person to watch your device.
Log Out of Every Account
Logging out of the accounts you are currently using is vital to protecting your data. Especially when you leave your device for a few minutes, no one in a public place can access your accounts.
You should also turn on the screen saver that locks your device automatically when you are inactive.
So, these are some precautionary measures to protect your data when you are not using your laptop.
Never Overlook the Need for Using a Physical Lock
Image Source- Amazon.com
Although you have invested in digital security, do not overlook physical security. While using your laptop in public places, the physical laptop lock is the best security accessory.
The lock lets you anchor your laptop to an immovable object. Any stranger would not be able to snatch away your laptop when you are away.
Final Verdict
Working in public spaces often makes you feel as if you are on a high-stakes spy mission. However, our guide on how to secure your laptop in public places to work will remove your concerns. From updated security settings to cable locks, different approaches will keep your device secure. You can work smartly and confidently in public places.
