What is a major concern when using your Government-issued laptop in public?

Using a Government-issued laptop in public raises significant concerns regarding the physical security of the device. This concern encompasses several factors, including the risk of theft, unauthorized access, and exposure to sensitive information. When a laptop is used in a public setting, it is more vulnerable to being stolen or tampered with compared to when it is used in a secure, controlled environment.

For instance, leaving a laptop unattended in a café or a shared workspace can easily invite opportunistic theft. Additionally, the presence of onlookers can lead to unauthorized individuals gaining access to the screen or even physically handling the device if it is not closely monitored. Furthermore, if the device contains sensitive government data or personal information, compromising its physical security can lead to severe consequences including data breaches or the exposure of classified information.

Other factors, while relevant to the overall use of technology, do not pose as immediate a risk in the context of public use. For instance, internet speed, battery life, and software updates are primarily operational concerns but do not directly affect the physical safety and security of the laptop itself in a public setting.