Many of us leave 2020 with a yearning for more travel plans in 2021 and hope for them. Of course, it’s important to note, as fun as a good getaway, travelling can also make us more vulnerable to cyberattacks. So all of us must ensure cybersecurity before we start travelling.
Here are the nine best tips to Ensure Cybersecurity While Travelling
1. Creating A Backup to ensure cybersecurity
In the event of a data breach or other unfortunate event where you lose your data or devices on the go, backing up your devices’ data to another physical device or the cloud before travelling would keep your data secure.
2. Software Updates
Both operating systems in your devices have built-in security systems that receive the manufacturer’s daily updates. When you fly, keeping your apps and operating system update will give you better protection. To ensure cybersecurity, make sure your devices have the current security patch enabled before leaving home.
3. Auto And Remote Connectivity
A handy feature around the house or office is auto networking, which is why most of our devices have this feature switched on. Your wireless network and Bluetooth will connect to available networks and devices on the go automatically when travelling. If you connect to a network or computer that is malicious, this may cause issues. Turning your devices’ auto and remote link features off while travelling will only allow you to connect when you want to connect.
4. Physical Security
It will help avoid unauthorized entry, physical theft, and consequent data breaches by keeping your devices physically safe when in hotel rooms, airports, planes, or any other mode of transport. A safe idea is never to leave the computers in a public space or on any means of transportation unattended.
5. Passwords And Locks
It is always helpful to use a strong password or PIN, but it is even more important to keep your computer locked at all times, especially when travelling. It will theoretically give hackers enough time to penetrate your computer if you leave your device unlocked for even a minute or two.
6. Avoid Location Sharing
It is prevalent among travellers on holiday to update social media networks with images and locations instantly. When a cybercriminal has access to your social media accounts, this may often be troublesome. To break into your hotel rooms or even your home to steal valuables while abroad, they will control your location and use that information. Always be careful of what you post on social media, especially when letting people know where you are or even where you are not.
7. Don’t Connect with Public Wireless Networks
It can be dangerous to connect to public hot spots or wireless networks accessible in hotels, airlines, cafes, and transportation, so you must always check the exact procedures and networks to connect with the employees. Hackers also make use of these public networks to capture confidential data. If you are linked to a public network, make sure you only use “HTTPS” sites to prevent a security breach and avoid online shopping or accessing any confidential data. Always have your data network link, if possible, or make sure to have a VPN.
8. Don’t use public Computers
More and more public places, via public computers, allow entry. To use and access the internet, libraries, internet cafes, hotels, and even some restaurants have freely accessible computers.
As a traveller, since they might not be updated with applications, security patches, and operating system upgrades needed to protect the device, you may not trust these public devices. To access traveller data or digital keys and passwords, they might also have malicious viruses or malware seeded in by hackers. Hackers can use critical logger malware to steal logins, passwords, credit card data, and other confidential and personal details.
9. Skimmer Devices
Criminals use a skimmer system without touching or using your credit card to copy your credit card details. For a few seconds, criminals need to hover a skimmer system over your credit card to replicate their data and use it for personal gain. By balancing the device over your wallet or pocket that holds your passport, they can also do this. A simple way to avoid this is to use an RFID wallet or cardholder by building a digital wall between your card and the skimmer system that prevents data theft.
Conclusion
The threat of cybercrime is genuine, and when we are vulnerable, the risk of that threat increases. That is why you must ensure a cybersecurity attitude when travelling. If you are travelling for work or holidays, be sure to practice and care with these tips.
Check out: How to Protect Your Healthcare Network From Cyberattacks