Last updated on October 27th, 2024
Traveling is exciting but it comes with certain risks. You may want to take your Macbook with you to blog about your travels or do other work. It’s useful to be able to use your Mac’s USB ports to charge your other USB accessories. You can mitigate the risks of physical damage by using a secure, lockable laptop case. Making sure you keep an eye on your Mac when you’re using it in public places can reduce the risks of theft. Built-in Mac security settings can also help to secure your Mac while traveling.
Enable Find My Mac
Find my Mac is a built-in macOS feature that helps you to retrieve your device. It not only helps you to find your Mac but you can wipe your drive remotely if your device is lost or stolen. You do need an active internet connection to communicate with iCloud and track its location. You will need to turn on location services if they are currently disabled. Go to System Preferences>iCloud and log in with your Apple ID. From there you will be able to find the location of your device and lock it with a passcode, or even erase it remotely.
A factory reset can make your Mac function as if it were brand new with a new installation of the Mac operating system. The steps to do a reset are simple but the instructions differ depending on what type of computer you use. If you want to know how to wipe your MacBook, this article gives you step-by-step instructions on how to do it. It shows you how to do a MacBook Pro, Air, and iMac factory reset. No matter which macOS your Mac runs you must always do a complete backup of all your data before you begin.
Create backups using Time Machine
Backing up your data is critical as it can reduce the impact of potential damage or loss. It ensures your important files are retrievable. Time Machine on macOS allows you to back up your files on a separate external hard drive. To set it up:
- Connect an external hard drive.
- Go to System Preferences to open the Time Machine app.
- Select Backup Disk, choose your hard disk name, and press Use Disk.
- Select Back Up Automatically and you won’t have to remember to back up manually.
Set a custom lock screen
One of your Mac security preferences may be to set up a Mac lock screen. It will display a custom message if someone finds your computer and opens it. In System Preferences>Security & Privacy>General you can check ‘Show a message when the screen is locked’ and type in a custom message.
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Activate FileVault
You don’t want any of your information on your Mac to be accessible to unauthorized persons while traveling. FileVault encrypts your disk and makes your Mac unusable if anyone steals your Mac. Go to System Preferences>Security and Privacy>FileVault, select Turn on FileVault, and follow the on-screen instructions. It will take some time to encrypt the whole disk.
Use a Firmware password
A firmware password prevents starting up your Mac from any other disk than the startup disk you choose. If your Mac is stolen, the thief can’t use recovery mode without the password. To activate firmware, you will have to restart your computer. When you hold Cmd R you should see the recovery window. When you press the Utility menu bar you can choose the firmware password utility. Enter a password and restart your Mac.
Use Stealth Mode
Stealth Mode can make it difficult for hackers and malware to find your Mac. It’s a deterrent for network attacks. It can help you to keep Mac safe as it won’t respond to anonymous ping requests.
Stay secure with a VPN
You may have to use public Wi-Fi while traveling. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) disguises your IP address. Hiding your browsing behind a VPN is the best way to guarantee the security of your system, no matter where you are.
Conclusion
The above security tips will help you to keep your computer safe and secure while traveling. You will have peace of mind knowing that you have taken precautions to mitigate security risks.