There is plenty of both software and hardware available to keep your digital devices safe when studying abroad. There are even GPS capabilities now built into laptops, smartphones, and tablets that will allow you to find your device if it gets lost or stolen. However, there are also many ways you can prevent theft of your digital devices in the first place! Let\u2019s take a look at a few methods of ensuring your digital devices don\u2019t end up in the wrong hands.<\/p>\n
Keep Them in an Older Case or Bag<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re spending a semester abroad, you will inevitably want to get a few new things for your experience. However, when carrying around your laptop, camera, smartphone, or tablet, it is best to keep them in something older. An older looking case or an unbranded messenger bag\/backpack will draw far less attention than something that is brand new or designer. This is especially true if you have a specific bag for your hardware, like a camera bag that says \u201cCannon\u201d or a laptop bag with the Apple logo. The less obvious you can make the contents of your bag, the better.<\/p>\n If Traveling, Keep Devices With You<\/strong><\/p>\n The best way to ensure your devices don\u2019t get lost or stolen, especially when on a plane, is to keep them with you. Keeping them in your carry-on bag may cause some delays at security, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your $600 phone, your $800 tablet, and your $1200 laptop aren\u2019t being handled by anyone besides you.<\/p>\n Put a Label on Your Items<\/strong><\/p>\n If something does<\/em> happen to get lost when abroad, it can be hard to claim a device, even if it\u2019s found. Without a label, how can you prove the device is yours? Labels are old fashioned, but a simple sticker with your contact information inside your phone\u2019s case or on the body of your laptop can make claiming your lost device much easier.<\/p>\n Finding a \u201cSafe\u201d Place<\/strong><\/p>\n You can\u2019t always bring your devices with you, especially if you have a DSLR with a few lenses or a heavy laptop. In this case, the best thing to do is use a safe, or if one isn\u2019t available, get a lock and key. Drawers, closets, or hidden storage can be locked in order to protect dorm room guests from going through your things.<\/p>\n Many of these suggestions can be used when studying at your local college or university, but when studying in a place that is completely new to you, it is best to take a little extra precaution, and make sure you get yourself into a routine. It could save your devices from ending up in the wrong hands!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It\u2019s easy to lose track of your stuff when travelling. If you\u2019re studying abroad this semester, check out these tips for keeping your devices safe.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[2295,2328,249,2289,2292],"class_list":["post-3311","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-security","tag-exchange","tag-living-abroad","tag-security","tag-students","tag-studying-abroad"],"yoast_head":"\n