How to Keep Your HP Tech Safe During Holiday Travel
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The holidays are a time for going places and seeing people. However, most of us don’t leave our prized tech far behind.
Whether you’re planning a trip across the state – or the world – packing your items safely and keeping them from digital threats is a must.
Here’s what you should know to ensure your devices make it through to see a new year.
Packing your HP tech for travel
You can’t be too careful when bringing your laptops and tablets on a trip. Screen cracks, spills, and accidental drops are all too common and can bring your holiday fun to an unfortunate halt. Consider these pro tips for keeping your tech in check:
- Stash your stuff. Always carry your laptop in a secure, padded case or bag, and zip or fasten it completely. Even a quick ride in a car can leave it vulnerable to mishaps.
- Carry it close. Airline, bus, or train travel is stressful enough without your bag going missing. Store it safely under the seat in front of you, or opt for overhead storage instead of checking it to your destination.
- Cover your screen. If you haven't installed a screen protector, now's the perfect time. Not only does it help deter scratches from dust and particulate matter, but it can also add a layer of cushioning if something falls on your device. Pick one with a privacy feature to prevent prying eyes.
- Wrap it up. While preparing your device for travel, don’t forget to plan space for cords, chargers, and accessories. A dedicated bag pocket is ideal and can keep you from leaving your charger in another hotel room.
Digital security on the go
Physical damage is just one type of danger to protect against during holiday travel. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s just as important to guard against hackers and ransomware. These best practices help keep your data secure no matter where you venture.
Practice safe WiFi use
It’s a common practice to use the public wireless network on planes, in airports, or when relaxing in your hotel room. These networks are largely unsecured and use shared passwords to get more people connected quickly. To reduce risks associated with open networks, install a VPN and turn it on before getting online. (Many reputable antivirus companies provide VPN as part of their coverage or for an additional fee.)
You should also decline when asked to make your device discoverable by other devices on the network.
Update before you leave
If you have automatic operating system updates turned on, your Windows OS will be ready to defend against attackers. This is just the first step, however. Ensure your browser is updated, too; you can check this by clicking the settings and seeing if it’s running on the latest version. Your mobile apps and important software services should also be updated to the latest version.
Not only does this prevent updates from happening when using precious mobile data, but you will also be assured of each software's most recent tech protection.
Back up important files
If you have iCloud or Google Drive on your devices, you may be automatically saving photos, music, or documents as they are created. Otherwise, now's the perfect time to do a complete backup of your laptop or phone. Use a cloud provider to seamlessly store everything on a secure online website that you can access later if you need to. A separate device, such as an external drive, gives you a second physical option if you lose access to your cloud storage service.
In the unfortunate case of a lost or stolen device, you can restore all of this data to a new device with less frustration and without permanently losing your most prized files.
Create a secure login
Has it been over six months since you updated your password? Do you share passwords with more than one account or service? If so, it’s time to create new “strong” passwords that can’t be guessed and that are unique for each account. Your browser may offer strong password suggestions, but they should have a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
Two-factor authentication is another recommendation to keep unauthorized users from entering your accounts. If your device ever becomes lost or stolen, this extra protection requires a secure code to be sent to your mobile phone or email and verified manually before letting the person in. Enable this option for each service that offers this added security.
Physical safety tips
Even in seemingly safe areas of the world, crime does happen. Avoid making yourself an easy target for theft by taking these extra steps.
Don’t leave your tech unattended
When in public, have your devices on your person, if possible, with a backpack or bag you can hold onto at all times. If you must nap or leave for a while, consider storing your device in a secure storage locker. In crowded spaces, turn the pockets and zippers near your body so pickpockets can’t reach inside and take your belongings.
Follow TSA requirements
While each airport may handle technology differently, you can save time by preparing for TSA scans and security checks. You may be asked to remove your laptops from your bags when entering the checkpoints; follow the posted signs for more information. If an agent tells you to put the item back into your bag or needs to inspect it further, follow their directions.
By using lockable luggage or tech backpacks with TSA-approved enclosures, you can keep devices safe on the go without impeding the work of security agents. Other locking luggage will not pass through security without them having to break or remove the locks, which can prevent you from getting to your plane on time.
Why an HP Care Pack can help protect your device
What happens if, despite all this advice, your device gets damaged when traveling? Laptops can get damaged even once you get to your destination, and it may not even be your fault!
Fortunately, HP Care Packs have even the most unexpected situations covered. By purchasing plans with additional accidental damage coverage, you don’t have to deal with the headaches of a broken device. The HP Care Packs cover damage caused by others, but they also help if you make a mistake.
Buy an HP Care Pack at the time you buy your HP device. Then, if something happens, you can contact the care team and have them help. You will be given directions for finding a local repair shop or have the device sent to HP directly for repairs. Either way, repairs are quick and won’t disrupt your time with friends and family. Plus, with the average screen repair costing hundreds of dollars, it just makes good financial sense to have a plan that covers these expensive repairs for you.
Post-travel care
While the holidays can be an amazing time, they don’t last forever. Upon returning from your trip, it can be tempting to leave the unpacking for later. Instead, check your device immediately to look for any potential damage. Scratches, dents, or signs of poor performance should be addressed right away and with the help of the HP Care Pack team, if possible.
You’ll also want to scan your device for viruses, malware, or spyware downloaded to your computer while away. Even with the security that VPN adds, it never hurts to double-check for the threats found on public networks.
This is also a great time to give your device a quick cleaning and maintenance check. Wipe the screen and keyboard free of debris with a computer-safe product; go through temporary files and delete unused applications and documents that can slow your device down.
HP Support Assistant helps keep your device running at peak performance without much work. Use it to check your computer’s health, diagnose any issues, and keep on top of maintenance tasks. It also gives you updated information about your system and any HP Care Pack coverage you may have.
Summary
The best advice for securing your technology also works for your cash and other belongings; being prepared and alert reduces risk and keeps you from being the victim of a crime or someone else's negligence. These tips not only work during the holiday season but are important to practice all year long whenever we go somewhere for work or entertainment.
The holidays are, most importantly, a great time to unwind and leave your worries behind you. They can help you reconnect with loved ones and create those magical memories we all cherish. With a little extra care and attention, however, you can truly enjoy time with others and keep your HP devices safe.
Do you have travel tips you swear by? Have you discovered a little-known trick to getting through the hustle and bustle of the season with your gear? Share your advice using the #HPSafeTravels so others can learn from you and have an amazing holiday, too.
