Protecting Sensitive Information While On the Go: A Guide for Business Travelers 

Traveling for work can be both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest risks is the potential for device theft. Whether you’re in a hotel lobby, an airport lounge, or a ride-share vehicle, your laptop, phone, and sensitive work documents are valuable targets for thieves. Let’s explore five practical steps businesses can take to prevent device theft while traveling, as well as tips for implementing effective travel security policies. 

 

  1. Keep Your Devices Close at All Times

When traveling by taxi or car service, always keep your valuable devices within the cabin of the vehicle, never in the trunk. You never know when an opportunity for theft will arise, and leaving your devices out of sight can be an invitation for thieves. The same applies to hotels—never leave your bags with important tech in a car’s trunk. 

Actionable Tip: Always keep your laptop and work documents within arm’s reach when traveling in taxis, ride-shares, or car services. In hotels, carry your tech into your room or store it in a locked safe. 

 

  1. Position Your Bags Wisely in Public Spaces

Airports, cafes, and public transportation hubs are prime locations for theft. Thieves often target bags that are out of the owner’s view. When seated, keep your bag in front of you or on your lap rather than beside or behind you, where it’s vulnerable. 

Actionable Tip: Keep your bags between your feet or on your lap when seated in public spaces. Invest in a lock or tether system to secure your devices to fixed objects, ensuring they remain safe when unattended. 

 

  1. Lock Devices in Hotel Room Safes

Hotel room safes are one of the easiest and most effective ways to secure your devices when you're not in your room. Take advantage of this feature and always lock your laptop, phone, and any other valuables inside the safe. If a safe isn’t available, consider using a portable lockbox or cable lock to secure your devices to a fixed object. 

Actionable Tip: Upon checking into a hotel, immediately inquire about the availability of a room safe. If one isn’t offered, consider using a portable lockbox or a cable lock to secure your devices to something immovable in the room. 

 

  1. Avoid Leaving Devices Unattended in Vehicles or Hotel Lobbies

Leaving your devices unattended in hotel lobbies, airport terminals, or vehicles is an open invitation for theft. One of the highest rates for device theft happens in cars, according to CIO. If you must leave your devices for a short time, use a luggage storage service with secure lockers, or lock your devices in the car’s trunk. 

Actionable Tip: If you need to step away from your bag in a public space, use a secure locker service or lock your bag to a fixed object with a cable lock. Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place. 

 

  1. Create a Daily Security Routine While Traveling

Establishing a consistent routine for securing your devices throughout the day can help prevent lapses in security. Before moving from one place to another—hotel to airport, airport to car—ensure your devices are locked away and safe. 

Actionable Tip: Build a daily security checklist as part of your routine. Before leaving your room or any other space, double-check that all your devices are secured, locked in safes, or physically tethered when necessary. 

 

Stay Protected When Traveling With Business Assets

Following these five simple yet effective strategies can help businesses protect their devices and sensitive work documents during travel. Securing physical devices, staying aware of your surroundings, and using the right equipment will keep your team safe and productive. 

TechLok offers a comprehensive suite of products to enhance travel security, including laptop and bag locks, chargers, and phone mounts. Equip your employees with the right tools to ensure they stay secure and productive on the go.