Traveling with one's Wi-Fi (wireless) laptop was once the purview of business road warriors. No more. These days, many of us take our laptops everywhere we go, even on vacations and weekend getaways. Learn how to protect yourself when using Wi-Fi the next time you travel.

Cyber Pickpockets
Travelers have long been advised to watch out for pickpockets (still a good idea). Allow us to advise you about the new threat, the cyber thief. Like the pickpocket, the cyber thief can relieve you of your ID, money, and credit cards. The only difference is the cyber thief steals them via your Wi-Fi connection instead of your pocket

Evil Twins, Spies and Eavesdroppers
Wherever you travel, you're likely to find Wi-Fi networks to join. Which ones are valid and secure and which are not is often very difficult to ascertain. Our essential advice is to be cautious, vigilant and use up-to-date Internet security software.

It's easier to be cautious and vigilant when you know what to watch out for. Here are some of the more common threats in the traveler's Wi-Fi world -

• Evil Twins are Wi-Fi networks that appear to be legitimate, but are not. They are dummy networks that borrow the name and appearance of an airport, hotel, or national Wi-Fi provider. You give them your credit card information to log on and they give you a financial nightmare.
  
  
  
• Spies use readily available spyware to break into your online connection and record everything you do. The spy may be a guy sitting in a car outside your hotel, or another laptop-carrying traveler in an airport boarding area.
  
  
  
• Eavesdroppers may sit next to or behind you in an airport, on a plane or in a café. They can see your credit card, bank account number or password as you key it in. They can read your screen and see anything from your itinerary to your email address. Be aware.
  
  

Here are a few tips that will help you stay out of Wi-Fi trouble while you're traveling

• Always turn off your Wi-Fi function when you're not using it. That gives the bad guys less time to find you.
  
  
  
• Ditto Bluetooth. If you're using it, set it to "hidden." If you're not using it, turn it off.
  
  
  
• Avoid making online financial transactions whenever you are on a public Wi-Fi network. Always assume the network is not secure. Better to be safe.
  
  
  
• Make sure your Internet security is up to date before you leave home. It's your best protection.

Copyright© 2010 Symantec Corporation.

Travelling abroad? These simple steps can help protect you from every traveler's worst nightmare.

Nothing can be more irritating than a stolen wallet. But it can be especially frustrating while on vacation, leaving you stranded as you cancel credit cards, identification, and lost documents and then wait for replacements.

Don't let a lost or stolen wallet ruin your next vacation. Follow the simple steps below to help protect your wallet and your personal information when travelling.

1. Clean it out
   Your wallet is probably full of cards and documents you only very rarely use. When on vacation, only take the cards you'll need and leave everything else at home. Never bring anything that has your full Social Security number.
   
   
   
2. Bring a Backup
   Always take a secondary credit card and ID, and keep them somewhere safe (not in your wallet). This way you won't be completely stranded if your wallet goes missing.
   
   
   
3. Limit your cash
   Most credit card companies will cover any fraudulent charges, but no one replaces cash. If you do need to carry cash, only take what's necessary for the day and don't pull it all out when you pay for something. A wad of cash is a good way to attract unwanted attention. Count out how much you'll need while the money is still in your wallet to avoid prying eyes.
   
   
   
4. Make copies of the content
   Before you go on your trip, make photocopies of all of your cards and passports, and keep them in a safe pace. This small step will make it infinitely easier to cancel and replace lost or stolen documents.
   
   
   
5. Use your hotel safe
   Anything of value should immediately go in the room safe upon arrival. Travelers often forget that while most hotel staff can be trusted, some may take advantage of unattended cash, cards, and IDs.
   
   Of course, it's important to remember that as a LifeLock member, you have anytime access to LifeLock's WalletLock™ service. If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, call us toll-free, and a LifeLock representative will help you cancel or replace your missing documents (excludes pictures, cash, and other monies). In many cases, we can replace all of your documents for you. However, some states require you to be involved with them directly. If this happens, we'll make it as easy as possible by filling out the necessary forms ahead of time and setting appointments at your convenience.
   
   Visit www.lifelock.com and search "WalletLock" to learn more.

Much of your personal information is stored on computers - financial data, passwords, bank statements, and more. If a thief steals your laptop, LifeLock is there to help you stop identity thieves from ruining your good name. But what about all the things you can't replace - family photos, emails, and personal documents?

Now you can protect your laptop with this special discount on Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops Premium edition software by Absolute® software.

When installed on your computer, LoJack for Laptops tracks, locates, and recovers stolen computers while providing consumers with the ability to protect their personal information from identify theft. The Premium edition includes a service guarantee from Absolute Software that will provide up to $1000 in the event a stolen computer is not recovered within 60 days or the consumer is unable to delete their personal information from the device.

Keep your personal computer personal. Just sign in to your myLifeLock account at www.lifelock.com/mylifelock and click the Computrace® LoJack® for Laptops button at the bottom of the screen to save 15% on your software purchase.