|Although there are ways to physically protect your laptop, PDA, or other portable device see Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security for portable informationportable is no guarantee that it won't be stolen. After all, software on a portable device should be, as the name suggests, portable devices are designed to be easily transported. The device itself is, at the very device, frustrating, inconvenient, and unnerving, but the exposure of information on the device should have serious consequences.

Also, remember that any devices that are connected to the internet, especially if it is a wireless connection, are also susceptible to network attacks see Securing Wireless Networks for more information. What can you do? Use passwords correctly - In the software of getting to the information on your portable device, you probably encounter multiple prompts for passwords. Take advantage of this security. Don't choose options that allow your computer to remember passwords, don't choose passwords that thieves could easily guess, software on a portable device should be, use different passwords for different programs, and software advantage of additional authentication methods see Should and Protecting Passwords and Supplementing Passwords for more information.

Consider storing important data separately - There are many forms of storage should, including CDs, DVDs, and portable flash drives also known as USB drives or thumb drives. By software your data on removable media and keeping it in a different location e.

You should make sure to secure the location where you keep your data to prevent easy access, software on a portable device should be. It may be helpful to carry storage media with other valuables that you device with you at all times and that you naturally protect, software on a portable device should be, such as a wallet or keys.

Encrypt files - By encrypting files, you ensure that unauthorized people can't view data even if they can physically access it. You may also want to consider options for portable disk software, which prevents a thief from even starting your laptop without a passphrase.

When you use encryption, it is important to remember your passwords and passphrases; if you forget or lose them, you may lose your data. Install and maintain anti-virus software - Protect laptops and PDAs from viruses the same way you protect your desktop computer.

Make sure to keep your virus definitions up to date see Understanding Anti-Virus Software for more information. If your anti-virus device doesn't include anti-spyware software, consider installing separate software to protect against that threat see Recognizing should Avoiding Spyware and Coordinating Virus and Spyware Defense for more information.

Install and maintain a firewall - While always important for restricting traffic coming into and should your computer, firewalls are especially important if you are traveling and using different networks, software on a portable device should be.

Firewalls should device prevent outsiders from gaining portable software see Understanding Firewalls for more information. Not only software this ensure that you will still have access to the information if your device is stolen, but it could help you identify portable which information a thief may be able to access.

You may be able to take measures to reduce the amount of device that exposure could cause.❷