This will keep others from easily accessing all your information or changing your password if you step away while in those modes.
The next option I change is telling the computer to go into sleep mode immediately if I close the lid, which combined with the previous step password protects it immediately if I need to step away.
Automatic cloud backup matters
If you think about it, you really value your data more than you value the actual laptop itself. Making sure your critical data is securely backed up will help whether your device goes missing, contracts some form of ransomware, or suffers a catastrophic failure.
Backing up to an external hard drive won’t be of much help if someone steals your laptop bag with everything in it or you get hit with ransomware while your external drive is plugged in.
More from Ken Colburn: Microsoft keeps trying to get you to switch to the new Outlook. Here’s what to know
Using security software
There was a time when the operating system you were using had a big impact on the threats you’d be exposed to, but these days, hackers really don’t care. They know we all spend so much time on the Internet that targeting your browser is much more efficient.
Whether you’re using a Mac or Windows laptop, having security software watching over your interactions can prevent a lot of headaches.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
An essential security tool for laptops that will be connecting to public Wi-Fi networks is some form of VPN, which essentially separates you from other users on those unsecured networks.
You can opt for a simple approach, such as installing the Opera browser which has a built-in VPN option and always using it instead of your default browser when you connect to public Wi-Fi.
If you want to use other apps besides a web browser on public Wi-Fi, a full-featured VPN tool that generally costs around $30 to $50 per year is safer.
Ken Colburn is founder and CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services, datadoctors.com. Ask any tech question at facebook.com/DataDoctors or on Twitter @TheDataDoc .
