Electronics are a part of everyday life, which means they get a premium spot on the packing list any time we have to travel. Electronics have become so predominant that now we have an entire industry of gadgets made specifically for travel.
No matter what operating system you prefer or how many gadgets you own, there are a few essential safety rules to follow when you travel with electronics.
Back up data before leaving home
The number one cardinal rule in traveling with electronics is to always back up your data before leaving. Backup the entire system for your phone, tablet or laptop on an external hard drive and/or a cloud-based storage system just in case something happens to your device.
It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of the backup on a secure USB drive that you can keep with you during travel. Providers like SecureUSB.com have encrypted flash drives with PIN protection for added security.
Follow the TSA regulations
The TSA lines are notoriously frustrating in airports across the country. Anything you can do to make the process go a little quicker will make your air travel more convenient. There are no restrictions in regards to carrying electronics with you on the flight, but you’ll have to jump through a few hoops based on the current TSA guidelines.
While in line go ahead and get your devices out. Laptops and phones need to be put in their own separate container for scanning. Strangely enough, electronic cigarettes and vaporizers can only be placed in a carry-on, not checked baggage. Be prepared to power up your devices. There have been instances where TSA personnel have required travelers to prove their devices are legitimate, operable electronics by turning them on.
It might seem like a lot of hassle over nothing, but electronics have been flagged as a potential location for hidden explosive devices. That means the TSA is going to scrutinize any and all electronics.
Keep electronics on you
It’s always advisable to avoid packing electronics in large suitcases that have to be checked or could be jostled around. A lot of expensive electronics have mysteriously gone missing, and the TSA won’t be able to tell you where they went. Unless devices are double bubble wrapped, putting them in larger baggage can also increase the likelihood they’ll be banged up and damaged.
You’re much better off investing in a travel case and keeping all electronics with you the entire time you travel. That way you don’t have to worry about anything disappearing or getting damaged.
Improve your passwords
It’s actually very shocking how some people create simple passwords. Passwords that are easy to circumvent are one of the top cyber security issues. Password best practices include:
- Avoiding any kind of personal information.
- Steering clear of short passwords.
- Using a combination of characters – letters, numbers and special characters.
- Not using the same password for every account.
Stepping up your passwords is the easiest way to improve security when you’re traveling and while you’re at home.
Be very careful on shared networks
Free Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can come at a steep price if you aren’t careful. There are plenty of hackers that specifically target free, shared connections. Some of them actually go so far as to set up the free Wi-Fi hotspot so they can capture sensitive data and login credentials from an unsecured site. If you use the same password for most of your accounts, the hackers just gained access to a lot of information all at once.
It may come with a hefty hourly rate, but recommended networks that require payment also offer much better security than free Wi-Fi options.
Leave unnecessary electronics at home
At the end of the day, the fewer electronics you bring with you the less you have to worry about on the road. Sticking to essential gadgets that have multi-functionality will ensure you have what you need without causing unneeded issues. Odd electronics could also end up raising red flags when you go through airport security.
Power up electronics and check your power supplies
The night before traveling is the time to plug in all of the electronics that are coming with you. Then you won’t have to fight to find a seat near an outlet or watch as your battery icon turns red during a road trip.
Two other things to consider are whether you should invest in a portable charger and what types of power supplies are going to be available at your final destination. The first concern is legitimate for anyone who may spend hours away from any kind of outlet. The latter is advised for anyone that’s traveling outside of the country. In the U.S. we only see two types of sockets, but there are currently 15 in use around the world.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
