Travel Safe with These Cybersecurity Protection Tips
Home Help Center Travel Safe with These Cybersecurity Protection Tips
- There are many things you can do to travel safely when it comes to technology and cybersecurity. Start by updating your devices before you leave to ensure they are as secure as possible.
- Next, turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections to avoid connecting to a Wi-Fi network you do not trust. Also, it is a good idea to avoid USB plugin stations. Instead, bring a portable charger or plug directly into a regular power outlet.
- Don’t make yourself more vulnerable to an identity crime by oversharing on social media. It could draw all types of criminals. Also, make sure you have safe access to all passwords and your authenticator app on your device (if you have one) for multi-factor authentication.
- If you have additional questions on how to travel safe when it comes to cybersecurity, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) or live chat on the company website idtheftcenter.org.
Gear up for your next vacation with advice on how to travel safely when it comes to technology and cybersecurity.
Heading out of town can be filled with pitfalls. Lost luggage, sudden cancellations and unexpected illnesses are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to potential problems. However, a far more serious risk lurks for travelers with consequences that may take years to recover – identity theft.
Cybercriminals do not take vacations. You cannot let your guard down when your identity, financial data and even gadgets are concerned. Once you have planned your getaway, there are a number of steps to take to travel safely. Whether traveling within the country or abroad, you should consider taking the actions below to protect your information.
Update and Backup all of Your Technology
If you bring any devices, update them with the most recent operating system. The same is true of your apps. When you continue to use an outdated piece of software or an old app, you are leaving yourself vulnerable to being the victim of an attack. Developers often issue updates specifically because they have uncovered a security hole. While at it, save all your important files, documents or photos to a secure source at home in case someone attacks your device.
Make Sure Your Device is Secure
On top of updating all of your technology, you can travel safe by making sure your device is secure. Strong passphrases, passcodes, and biometric features, such as fingerprint authenticators, make unauthorized access very difficult.
Turn Off Automatic Wi-Fi Connections
Despite what you may have learned, not all public Wi-Fi is bad. In fact, many people rely on it due to a lack of telecommunications infrastructure in certain parts of the country. With that said, you should only use trusted public Wi-Fi networks. The best way to protect your devices is by turning off automatic Wi-Fi connections on all technology. Here is how to do so:
- Windows: In Network & Internetsettings, uncheck Connect Automatically When This Network is in Range.
- iOS: Go to Settings >Wi-Fi. Tap the (i) next to the network name and then toggle off Auto-Join.
- Android: Go to Settings> Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi preferences. Toggle off Connect to public networks.
Power Up with Confidence
Travel safe and avoid public USB charging stations if possible. Whether you use your own cord or one provided, you cannot know where the cord’s connection will lead. In a scheme called “juice jacking,” criminals lure travelers into plugging in their devices for a quick charge. However, malware has been installed that can maliciously access devices and lock them or export personal data and passwords directly to the perpetrator. If you can, carry your own external charger or a “block” to plug into a regular power outlet.
Passcodes, Passwords, Passkeys, and Pass it On
You might want to update your passcode lock on your mobile devices and your account passwords on sensitive accounts before you leave. That way, you are not enjoying a day out on the waves—and away from a phone or computer—when a criminal steals a database of old usernames and passwords or steals access to your online bank account and credit card. If you can leave these passwords with a trusted family member, they can help you if something goes wrong while you are out of pocket.
Also, to travel safe, make sure you have your authenticator app on your device. The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) recommends you use multi-factor authentication (MFA) with an app to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Make sure you have a safe way to remember all of your passwords. If you are using passkeys, you do not have to worry about remembering your passwords.
Be Careful What You Post on Social Media
While it may be hard, it is always better to wait until you are home to show off your latest adventures. Also, oversharing on social media can increase the likelihood of an identity crime. The less the criminals know, the better.
The Trip is Only Part of the Equation
Remember, your vacation starts (at least from a cybercriminal’s perspective) from the day you book the trip through the weeks after you have returned. Make sure you are booking your travels through a reputable company over a safe online connection and monitoring your accounts before, during and after your trip to watch out for suspicious activity.
Contact the ITRC
If you have additional questions on how to travel safe, or if you believe you with the victim of an identity, contact the ITRC. You can speak with an expert advisor toll-free by phone (888.400.5530) or live chat. Just visit www.idtheftcenter.org to get started.
This blog was published on 3/4/19 and was updated on 8/2/23
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