The Lookout Blog

Safeguarding Your Backpack: Tips To Keep Your Tech Gear Safe

As summer winds down—and “back to school” season grows near—it’s time to think about protecting all of your tech gadgets purchased for the school year.

Today’s backpack now represents a hefty price tag (and a attractive target for theft).  On the first day of class, many students will be toting around a smartphone, tablet, and laptop.  With as much as $3,000+ gear in a one bag (and important data stored on each device), it will be important for students to protect their tech gadgets.

Follow these tips to help safeguard your gear.

LAPTOP
Physical Locks.  Most notebooks come with a built-in security/microslot that you can easily fit a lock into.  Many locks also can be used to secure LCD monitors, tablet PC’s, and scanners.  Purchase online: $10-$40 (a reasonable price for the peace of mind).

TABLETS  & SMARTPHONE
Password Protect Your Device.  Setting a strong password for your tablet is the simplest way to keep your personal information private during the school year.

Download A Security Application. If school life keeps you on the go: it’s easy to lose tabs on your phone.  Download a mobile security app like Lookout that can help you locate your device if it suddenly goes missing.  It can even lock the phone to make sure no one gets their hands on your sensitive personal info.

Back It All Up:  Added Backup Protection For Files And Documents. You can also download an app to your phone or computer that allows you to store and share your docs, files, and videos (like Dropbox).

KEYS AND WALLET
Download An App That Helps You Keep Track Of Other Valuables. Your keys aren’t technically a tech gadget, but they are easily lost!  A cool app called CobraTag from Phone Halo app will automatically record the GPS location of your keys or wallet, and send an email with the Google map.

As you head out the door for the first day of school, we hope these safety tips will help keep your gear secure!