Pack Your Bags, Not Your Worries: 6 Cyber Security Tips for Traveling

Summer is right around the corner, which means it could be the perfect time for a getaway! However, while you are putting your packing list together and getting ready for your travels, cyber criminals unfortunately aren’t taking a vacation. It is important to stay vigilant when it comes to cybersecurity while traveling.

Cyber criminals are targeting travelers at an increased frequency. There are several reasons for this, including but not limited to travelers being unfamiliar with new environments and increased dependance on technology. iuvo has got your back and we are here to help. We have compiled 6 essential cyber security tips to help you stay safe and secure while you are enjoying your travels. These tips will help you with protecting your personal information and ease your worries.

6 Cyber Security Tips For Worry-Free Travel

1. Update Your Software

Before you travel, make sure to check for and install any available software updates on your devices, including your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. Software updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities in your device's operating system and applications. These vulnerabilities can be exploited by cyber criminals to gain access to your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card details. Stop bad actors in their tracks by making sure there is no easy way to take advantage of a vulnerability.

2. Use a VPN

When using public Wi-Fi, such as in airports, hotels, or coffee shops, you are at risk of having your online activity intercepted by cyber criminals. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and routes your online traffic through a secure and private server, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. By using a VPN, you can ensure that your online activity is protected from prying eyes, including your browsing history, passwords, and personal information. Please note that it's important to choose a reputable VPN provider and make sure to turn on the VPN before connecting to public Wi-Fi.

If you can’t use a VPN and need to access public Wi-Fi, make sure you have all of these other tips covered and never access your bank or sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi. This includes never giving sensitive information out while on public Wi-Fi, like using your credit card to purchase something.

3. Avoid Public Charging Stations

Public charging stations, such as those in airports or coffee shops, can be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cyber criminals have been known to tamper with public charging stations or install malicious software on them, which can infect your device and steal your personal information. To protect your device and personal data, it's recommended to bring your own portable charger or use a wall outlet whenever possible. If you must use a public charging station, make sure to use your own charging cable and avoid using USB ports, which can be used to transfer data in addition to charging.

4. Use Strong Passwords & Enable MFA

Using strong passwords is crucial when traveling to keep your personal information safe from cyber threats. Using complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, or even better, phrases or sentences - can make it much more difficult for hackers to access your accounts. It's also important to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this can make it easier for cyber criminals to gain access to all of your personal information.

Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) when traveling can significantly enhance your device's security by adding an additional layer of protection to your accounts. With MFA, you'll be required to provide two or more forms of authentication, such as a password and a verification code sent to your phone, before accessing your account. This makes it much more difficult for cyber criminals to gain access to your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password. By enabling MFA, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts while traveling and ensure that your personal information remains protected. Many online services, such as email, social media, and banking, offer MFA options, so be sure to enable them before your trip.

One of the best ways to use MFA is by incorporating biometric authentication, such as face recognition, thumbprint, or eye scan, as these methods are much more secure than traditional passwords. By utilizing biometrics, you can ensure that only you have access to your device and the sensitive information stored within it.

It's important to keep in mind that applications are regularly improving their security capabilities. Therefore, even if you were unable to set up MFA when you initially downloaded an app, it's advisable to check periodically, particularly before embarking on a trip, to determine if the feature has been added to the app and if you can set it up. This approach ensures that you can leverage the latest security features to safeguard your information while on the move.

5. Disable Automatic Wi-Fi Connections

Many devices are set to automatically connect to known Wi-Fi networks, which can include public and potentially unsecured networks. By turning off this feature, you can avoid accidentally connecting to a malicious network that may be designed to steal your personal information. Instead, you should manually connect to Wi-Fi networks that you trust. This simple action can help protect your personal information from cyber threats while traveling and keep you safe online.

6. Secure Your Devices

While traveling, it's easy to misplace or forget your devices in public places, such as airports, coffee shops, or hotels. Thieves can also take advantage of distracted travelers to steal devices from bags or pockets. To avoid these risks, it's recommended to keep your devices with you at all times or store them in a secure location, such as a hotel safe or locked luggage. You can also use physical locks or cable tethers to secure your devices to a fixed object, such as a table or chair.

By following these tips, you can help protect your sensitive information from cyber threats while enjoying your summer travels. Remember to stay vigilant and use common sense when it comes to cybersecurity.