Thousands of laptops are stolen from airports every week. Thieves are ready to capitalize on the chaos and large numbers of travelers at most airports throughout the year. According to a survey by Ponemon Institute, 12,000 laptops a week are lost at airports.

On top of the financial cost, the potential data loss, security issues and identity theft associated with the missing computer can seriously worsen the situation and have far reaching consequences. Here are our top ten travel tips for traveling with a laptop.

1. Back up your data – Use an encrypted thumb drive to back up sensitive or valuable files and keep it separate from your laptop.

2. Use laptop recovery and protection software – Laptop recovery tools are highly effective in the event thieves do make off with your computer.

3. Keep your technical gear with you – Checking your tech gear with your luggage is a big gamble. Baggage handlers do not know what is in your bag and you run the risk of having your gear broken, lost or stolen in transit.

4. Keep your laptop inconspicuous – Carry your laptop in nondescript carrying cases, such as backpacks or tote bags, instead of tell-tale laptop bags.

5. Ask to put your laptop and technical gear in a hotel safe when you are not using it. If the hotel does not offer this service, stow your laptop in a secure cabinet in the room.

6. While using a public computer be aware of keyboard loggers/trackers – Identity thieves will often install keyboard loggers on public computers (like those in hotels and public libraries). These programs invisibly track the keystrokes of unsuspecting victims.

7. Do not log on to unsecured wireless networks – Unsecure networks are a two-way street. Anyone can access the network, and anyone on the network can access your computer, and subsequently your information.

8. Avoid accessing financial or banking information while traveling – especially on public wireless networks.

9. Do not click “Remember Me” on Web sites – Clicking “Remember Me” and allowing the Internet browser to remember passwords or usernames, negates the security those usernames and passwords offer. If a thief uses your computer, they will have the ability to steal your online and possibly offline identity.

10. Clear your history and cache after using a web browser - Web browsers remember everything about your session even after you have logged off. Before ending an Internet session, clear the cookies, history and internet files stored in the browser. This can be accessed through the “tools” menu on most Web browsers.