Going to Gabon:Tech Tips for an Educator

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A colleague is leaving for Gabon (where the heck is that?!?) soon, and we did a quick run-through of some considerations for her laptop. After all, she was traveling into the unknown with her brand new laptop, and I wanted to ensure she’d thought of everything.

After we did a hasty search for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider that works in Gabon (surprisingly, googling “best vpn in gabon” worked great at obtaining this information), I discussed a few other must-haves. Fortunately, I had my list of Top Security Tips for Educators handy but decided to whittle it down for her…what I actually emailed her appears below my question to you….

What would you add for a world traveler?

1) Keeping your passwords safe.

There are many password managers, like 1Password, LastPass that are online, while others can be saved on your computer or device (e.g. Keepass). I like Keepass. 

2) Encrypt confidential files

Encrypt confidential data (use Secure Space Encryptor (SSE)) laptop. If you decrypt confidential data, make sure to shred it off your computer (it’s easy to recover deleted files). On your Windows computer, use the free File Shredder program. 

3) Install antivirus/malware (if you haven’t already)

 Here are two solutions, AVG AntiVirus and Avast.

4) Use 2-factor authentication for emails and other services. “Two-factor authentication is a simple feature that asks for more than just your password. It requires both “something you know” (like a password) and “something you have” (like your phone)” (Source: LifeHacker). 2-factor works on sites like Google, LastPass, Apple, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Evernote, Paypal, Steam,Microsoft, Yahoo (avoid them), Amazon, LinkedIn, and WordPress. This will help prevent unauthorized use of your account unless they have your username, password AND your smartphone.

5) Add a password or WiFi key to secure, encrypt your home wireless access once you get settled.

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Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure