With the summer rapidly approaching, traveling is becoming more top of mind. However, travel should be about exploring new horizons and creating memories, not battling cyber threats. Although modern technology enables seamless communication and productivity from virtually anywhere, the convenience of staying connected on the go often comes with increased digital risks.
Here are some practical tips for cyber safety when traveling.
Read: The 7 Types of Summer Cyber Scams and How to Protect Yourself
Public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels and cafes can be a hacker’s playground, as they are not secure. Cyber criminals can intercept unencrypted data or set up rogue networks to mimic legitimate ones.
Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as your bank account, credit card details or personal information, and making purchases on public Wi-Fi. If you must connect, use a trusted virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your communications. You should also confirm the legitimate Wi-Fi network before connecting; hackers can create “evil twin” networks with similar names to trick users.
Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that attacks can exploit.
Before leaving on your trip, ensure all your devices – laptops, smartphones and tablets – have the latest operating system updates, antivirus and antimalware software and security patches installed. If you have trouble remembering to update devices and software, turn on “automatic updates” to safeguard against threats.
Weak or reused passwords are an easy target for hackers. However, even if your password gets compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification.
Use a password manager to generate and store complex, strong passwords for each account, especially for any new accounts you will need to access while traveling. Utilize MFA for email, cloud storage, business apps and any platform that handles sensitive data.
Many devices are set to automatically seek and connect to known networks, which can be exploited by attackers.
Disable automated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when not in use to prevent unauthorized access, tracking or spoofing attempts. Manually select trusted networks only.
Not all cyber threats are remote; stolen or lost devices can lead to major security breaches.
Never leave devices unattended, even if you need to quickly pop into the bathroom. Use privacy screens in public spaces to restrict visibility and enable device encryption. Set devices to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity. Enable “Find My Device,” which allows you to locate, lock or remotely wipe a device. If you need to leave a device in your hotel room, use the room safe or a personal travel safe.
A lost or compromised device shouldn’t mean losing all your important work.
Use secure cloud storage or backup solutions, like an external hard drive, to ensure your data is recoverable in case of theft or loss. Leave the backup stored safely at your home or business.
Although we love sharing pictures and videos of our travels, it’s not always the best move.
Resist the urge to post real-time updates about your travel dates and location, as this can make you a target for thieves both online and at home. Share your travel photos once you return.
Cybersecurity never takes a vacation. Taking a few simple precautions can significantly prevent major security incidents and safeguard your company’s data and reputation so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
At Thriveon, we help organizations implement strategic, proactive IT and cybersecurity solutions tailored to their specific needs, whether they are in the office or on the move. If you need help building a secure mobile workforce, schedule a meeting with us today for more information.