Security Settings:

• Make sure your PC is up-to-date with robust anti-virus or internet security software that includes a real-time web scanner, firewall and email protection.

• Ensure that you clean your devices of any spyware and malware before every trip and periodically do so even during the visit. This will reduce the risks of attacks in unsecure zones.

• Ensure that the security settings (including firewall settings) on your devices are set on high and on maximum prevention.

Wi-fi and high-speed internet zones:

• Be very careful what information you share in public locations. Hackers could be monitoring wi-fi traffic for login and password details.

• Turn off shared folders. If you unwittingly connect to a malicious network, a cyber criminal could easily transfer a malicious spyware agent onto your machine.

• When at hotels, airports or restaurants make sure you use the secure connections offered by them.

• As far as possible, while travelling, avoid logging onto any financial websites, or using your credit cards to conduct any transactions online, especially when in wi-fi zones.

Data on Your Device:

 • Ensure your laptops and PDAs are protected using hard drive password locking systems. And enabling screen-saver passwords will ensure that even if someone gets hold of your devices, they won't be able to access any information and data.

• Ensure that you create backups of all your work and personal data that you have on your devices before your expedition, and keep them in a safe and secure place.

Physical theft:

• Avoid carrying written copies of passwords, credit card numbers and other PINs.

• Use locks, combinations, chains and other devices to avoid thefts.

• Avoid saving any personal data or confidential data on your laptop, mobile phone or PDAs.

Finally, keep your travel plans to yourself; don't post them on social networks. You're telling criminals, "I'm away, burgle me!