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The State of Laptop Security: Surprising Statistics Every Traveler Should Know

By 2026-01-28 21:30:00

30 Seconds Summary

  • Laptops are stolen very often, every 20 seconds, especially in airports, hotels, and cafés. Always stay alert.
  • Using a security backpack for travel with padded compartments, hidden pockets, and lockable zippers can reduce theft risk by up to 60%.
  • You should install tracking software and have a laptop protection plan to recover stolen devices and protect your data.

Nowadays, when we travel, we don't just have to book flights or carry clothes. Many travelers now carry a laptop wherever they go. It may be for work, school, or personal use. Inside that laptop is private data, saved passwords, photos, and important files. The thought of losing it can feel scary; that is why laptop security matters more than ever for people on the move.

Recent traveling statistics show a sharp rise in laptop theft and cybercrime, especially in busy public places. Airports, hotels, and cafés are common places where devices disappear. These are busy spaces where people feel safe but are often distracted, which creates perfect opportunities for theft.

When a laptop is stolen, you are not just losing your device; you risk having personal data, work information, and even financial access exposed.  

In this blog, we are going to explore the current state of laptop security using real data, expert findings, and practical advice. You will learn why theft happens so often, who is most at risk, and how simple choices can reduce your chances of becoming a statistic.

The Rising Threat of Laptop Theft

 

Theft is more common than most travelers think. Research shows that mobile devices, such as laptops, are stolen on average once every 20 seconds. This means theft is happening constantly, especially in crowded travel environments where you are often distracted.

Airports are a major risk area because:

  • People rush through security, wait at gates, or stop to charge devices.
  • Laptops are left unattended or placed in bags that are easy to reach.

Hotels, trains, cafés, and coworking spaces also have high rates of laptop theft.

Laptop Theft in Numbers

Looking at laptop theft stats, reports show that one laptop is stolen every few seconds in the U.S. alone, totaling approximately 1,800 laptops stolen daily. These numbers explain why public spaces are so risky.

The Impact of Stolen Laptops

Losing a laptop affects more than just the device. The damage often spreads fast and lasts longer than expected.

The following is the impact of losing a laptop that the travellers usually have to face:

  • Lost work and personal files, such as documents, photos, and saved projects, that may never be recovered
  • Weeks of downtime while trying to replace the device, restore data, or reset accounts
  • Business risks, including data breaches, legal trouble, and loss of client trust
  • Personal security threats, like identity theft and financial fraud, once private data is exposed
  • Emotional stress, especially when personal memories or important work are lost

Because of these risks, laptop security is no longer optional. It is both a physical responsibility, protecting the device itself, and a digital responsibility, protecting the data inside it, especially while traveling.

Travel in confidence with EVERKI travel laptop backpacks. They come with hidden anti-theft pockets and strong padding, which keep your laptops protected in airports, cafés, and other busy places.

Who’s at Risk? Travel Demographics & Cybersecurity

Traveling statistics by age group show that laptop theft risk increases with how often people travel. So, who travels the most? Millennials and Gen Z travel more than other groups and often work while traveling. They use laptops in airports, hotels, and cafés. These busy places make it easier for laptop theft to happen, especially when people feel rushed or distracted.

Gen Z travel statistics show that younger travelers use technology everywhere. They rely on laptops and phones for work, booking, and social media. This constant use means devices are often left charging in public or placed in easy-open bags. These habits increase the chance of a laptop being stolen during travel.

Cybersecurity demographics explain why theft often leads to data loss. Younger users may choose speed over safety, while older travelers may not understand digital risks well. When protection is weak, data becomes easy to access. In many cases, a stolen password is an example of hardware theft because it comes from an unprotected laptop.

How Often Are Laptops Stolen and What’s at Stake?

Laptop theft stats reveal some truly surprising statistics.

  • In the U.S., one laptop is stolen every 53 seconds, adding up to more than 600,000 stolen each year.
  • Theft often happens in offices, classrooms, airports, and hotels.
  • Studies show that nearly half of all thefts happen indoors, not on the street.
  • Even worse, only 3% of stolen laptops are ever recovered.

For travelers, this means risk is high wherever people work, wait, or rest. These numbers explain why laptop theft is now a serious part of modern traveling statistics.

The impact of losing a laptop is often much bigger than expected. A stolen laptop can mean:

  • Lost work files for business travelers
  • Missed classes or projects for students
  • No income for digital nomads

This is why using a laptop protection plan is necessary, especially when traveling.

After a theft, cybersecurity threats escalate quickly.

  • Thieves can access saved logins, emails, or work tools.
  • Identity theft and data breaches are common.

Making it even more crucial to have a laptop protection plan in place.

Need the best backpack for laptop protection? The EVERKI Studio Backpack has a hidden anti-theft pocket and strong corner padding to help keep your laptop safe while you travel.

The Importance of Protecting Your Laptop While Traveling

When you travel, your backpack keeps your laptops protected. Many laptop thefts happen because bags are easy to open, easy to grab, or poorly padded. A laptop protection backpack can lower this risk by keeping your device secure, hidden, and close to your body. Studies show that laptop-specific backpacks can reduce theft risk by up to 60%.

The best backpacks for laptop protection use smart features like

  • lockable zippers,
  • padded laptop compartments,
  • and hidden pockets that face your back.

These details make quick theft much harder in airports, trains, cafés, and busy streets. Strong materials and corner padding also protect your laptop from drops and bumps while you move.

Laptop Backpack Recommendations

EVERKI has travel-ready backpacks that keep your laptops safe:

  • Atlas Backpack 17.3 is ideal for frequent travelers who carry large laptops and need strong organization and durability.
  • Business 120 is best for extra-large laptops, with heavy padding, travel-friendly access, and space for chargers and gear.
  • Versa 2 Backpack is a great choice for professionals who want a clean, business look with strong laptop protection.

In addition to a secure backpack, a laptop protection plan adds extra safety. These plans help cover drops, spills, and repairs that standard warranties often do not. Together, physical protection and digital coverage give travelers peace of mind.

Shop EVERKI laptop backpack options built for airports and long trips.

Best Security Practices for Laptops

 

Laptop Security Lock

Using a laptop security lock is a simple and effective way to protect your device in public spaces. You can attach a cable lock to your laptop and anchor it to a table or chair. This stops grab-and-run theft in busy places like cafés, airports, libraries, or coworking spaces. Even a short trip to the restroom is safer when your laptop is locked.

How to Protect a Laptop in a Backpack?

A security backpack for travel keeps your laptop safe inside your bag.

  • Use backpacks with padded, suspended compartments so your device does not touch the bottom.
  • Lockable zippers, hidden back pockets, and RFID-blocking sections prevent theft and digital scanning.
  • Keep the laptop close to your back, avoid heavy items on top, and shut it down fully before packing.

These habits make it hard for thieves to grab or damage your laptop.

Software and Recovery Tools

Many travelers ask, " How can security professionals use software to recover stolen laptops?

Tracking software can find your device with GPS or IP location, lock it remotely, and send messages to the screen. Some tools even take photos or screenshots to identify the thief. When these tools are installed before theft, they can help security teams locate the laptop quickly and protect sensitive data, adding an extra layer to your physical security.

Complete your setup with EVERKI accessories and rfid protection wallets for added travel security.

Surprising Laptop Security Statistics Every Traveler Should Know

Laptops are stolen on average once every 20 seconds. These surprising statistics show travelers face constant risk, especially in airports, hotels, and cafés. 

Business travelers are the most at risk because they carry sensitive company data and often work in crowded or public spaces. Gen Z travelers also face higher risks because they rely on laptops for work, entertainment, and social media, and sometimes leave devices unattended or use public Wi-Fi. 

Traveling statistics make it clear: staying alert, using secure bags, and protecting devices is more important than luck when traveling with laptops.

Over to You

Laptop theft is a real problem. Laptop theft stats show it happens often, and losing a laptop can cause big trouble for any traveler. But you can stay safe with a security backpack for travel, smart habits, and protective tools can reduce risk. 

EVERKI makes travel gear that keeps your laptop and important data safe wherever you go.

Shop EVERKI laptop bags built for modern travelers.

FAQs

Q1: How common is laptop theft during travel?

A: Laptop theft is very common. Laptops are stolen on average once every 20 seconds, especially in airports, hotels, and cafés where travelers are distracted.

Q2: Which travelers are most at risk?

A: Business travelers, students, digital nomads, and younger travelers like Gen Z are most at risk because they travel often and use laptops in public spaces.

Q3: What is the best way to protect a laptop while traveling?

A: Use a security backpack for travel, with lockable zippers, padded compartments, hidden pockets, and keep your laptop close to your body. 

Q4: Are security backpacks effective?

A: Yes, laptop-specific backpacks reduce theft risk by up to 60%. Features like hidden compartments, padded sections, and lockable zippers make it harder for thieves to access your device.

Q5: Can stolen laptops be recovered?

A: You can recover a stolen laptop using software. Tracking software can locate a stolen laptop, lock it remotely, and even take photos or screenshots to help recover the device and protect your data.

 

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