Top gadgets and apps to protect your mobile devices

It is far too easy to lose USB sticks containing our important documents, slices of our lives, photos, videos and potentially sensitive information.

However, if you are unfortunate enough to lose one, it isn't quite as critical if it is properly protected.

Many companies now offer USB flash storage drives with security options, such as datShur. This 3.0 USB key, available in a range of storage options, is PIN activated and protected with built-in XTS-AES 256-bit hardware encryption.

Price: £69 - £125 ($96 - $175)

Via: iStorage

Sometimes, the best security solutions for preventing spontaneous theft are the most simple. Consider investing in a locking device for your laptop while you're out and about which prevents your device from being easily stolen from a library desk or your room while you are elsewhere.

If you buy such a lock, while they will fit most models, make sure your laptop is compatible.

Price: $9.99

Via: Amazon

One thing that prevents me working on anything sensitive while on the move is the possibility of people looking over my shoulder or to the side in order to snoop on what my laptop is displaying. To prevent this and increase your privacy and security, consider investing in a privacy filter.

These thin films do not hamper what you see -- but rather, show up nothing but black if someone is looking at your screen from another angle.

Price: $Varies depending on screen size

Via: Dell

If the use of biometrics in password protection appeals to you, the IDKEY M series is a portable device which stores your passwords -- so you don't have to remember long strings of complex phrases -- and is only unlockable with your fingerprint.

This product is currently available for pre-order.

Price: $TBC

Via: IDKEY

Google's Android Device Manager is a free application which offers basic anti-theft protection for your smartphone or tablet.

The app locates your devices based on GPS data and what products are associated with your Google account, allowing you to see their location on a map to try and recover them -- as well as change the PIN code and completely erase your device remotely if need be.

Price: $Free

Via: Google Play

While mobile malware is still only a small percentage of the threats out there, as we now rely on our smartphones and tablets so often, it is only a matter of time before these rates increase.

There are a number of free apps out there to keep your devices safe from surveillance and data theft, including Malwarebytes' mobile solution for Android -- which, among other functions, audits your device for security issues and monitors app permissions.

Price: $Free

Via: Malwarebytes

Apple offers iPhone, iPad and Mac users a free solution to keep their devices as safe as possible. Find My Phone works via GPS settings on devices, allowing you to track their location. It is not only possible to track a stolen device, but you can remotely wipe it, display a message, lock the device or set off an alarm.

Price: $Free

Via: Apple

An alternative for iOS device owners is Lookout -- an application which not only has similar functions to Find My Phone such as GPS tracking, but also contains additional features including automatic data backups, thief alerts and notifications of potential attacks online.

Price: $Free | Premium

Via: Apple