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Well, I also turn on the filevault. Just in case I lose my mac.

I've always wondered why Apple doesn't provide some automatic security built into the OS. It should allow you to set your 'home' networks, then automatically secure the computer when you connect to any other network.

I just turn on the built-in firewall on the most secure setting (no application exclusions), but come to think of it I haven't ever really tested to see if this has the same effect as the tips above.

One thing that is VITAL that isnt mentioned is the very obvious, but often not checked is #1)setting a User password for login- (duh,I know, but many don't do this) and #2)and I think this is the most important-Set Password to WAKE from sleep. I think these, especially #2 is VITAL when using a laptop. Many people think they are secure because they have a login password, but then just close the lid when they take a break to get a coffee, go the bathroom, etc. If your laptop is stolen while this happens, well guess what? The thief can just open the lid, change your password and ....... SORRY for your identity theft.

You can even set up a new album in FaceBook, select the FB setting "only I can see this album” and upload pictures to it. Then when you come home just change that setting ti allow your friends to see your photos.

Is there an app for this? Seems like if there was you could check the items such as in this article and you would be good to go.

These points are "nice" but trivial. I've destroyed two (2) Macbook Pros while traveling. One was dropped from waist height onto concrete breaking the fluorescent backlight bulb (older model) and the other had a beer spilled on it destroying the mother board and the cable that connects to the display. The best travel tips I have are 1.) Never carry the laptop out of a protective bag. 2.) Never place a liquid on the same surface or above the laptop. The second one is difficult to do if you fly coach but not impossible.

Steven Carter, on 30 June 2011 - 12:01 PM, said:

I had a moment to reflect on my comment and I believe that I was too harsh on the author with my broad statement that his advice was "trivial." I would have rather said that his advice is spot on as it pertains to his topic, but that my experience has taught me that it is me, not others, who is the greatest threat to my laptop. I am with the laptop 24/7 but nefarious strangers with technical skills are a transient and infrequent encounter. The sheer volume of my contact with the laptop makes it much more likely that I will break the computer or lose it than someone else will steal my data. I have found it most useful to look at my own shortcomings in how I transport and use the laptop than to consider the issues raised in the article although a wise person would do both!

Steven Carter, on 30 June 2011 - 01:07 PM, said:

Props to you for the mea culpa! Spread that type of class around to more commenters...

pawhite524, on 30 June 2011 - 04:06 PM, said:

I agree!

Too often (more so on other sites, but every now and then on this one) the comments about Computer Topic turn into comments about How Stupid Someone Is and/or No They're Not Stupid You [censored]... and on and on.

And now back to keeping my Mac safe while traveling...

One thing that is missing from this otherwise helpful article is something that I consider essential when using a Mac outside my home: public VPN.

A subscription to a public Virtual Private Network (VPN) is easy to install and use, as well as being inexpensive. For around $5 per month I have a personal VPN account that protects all data transfers on my Mac, iPhone and iPad. If I only wanted to protect a Mac the cost is only $3.33/month.

There are a number of companies that offer monthly and annual VPN subscriptions. For over four years I have used Witopia's personalVPN (www.witopia.net). For the most part it has run flawlessly and the few times that I have needed assistance Witopia's tech support has been both fast to respond and excellent.

VPN isn't just for traveling either... It can be used to encrypt Internet connections anywhere, including at home and the office. In addition to encrypting and protecting Internet connections, VPN masks your IP address and prevents your ISP from monitoring and logging where you go on the Internet.

papasmack, on 30 June 2011 - 06:05 AM, said:

I would think even more vital than having a user password would be DON'T LEAVE YOUR LAPTOP AT THE TABLE WHILE YOU GO PEE AND EXPECT IT TO BE THERE WHEN YOU GET BACK. Guess what, it won't be. Not even that $50 cable lock you bought will stop someone that really wants your stuff.