Here it is, folks! It’s that time of year; whether you’re heading to Grandma’s mountain cabin or flying off to the tropical Walley World of your dreams, travel season is here! But just like the Lampoons’ epic road trip, your holiday plans could go sideways if you’re not careful. To avoid losing your sanity and your personal data, here are some tips to ensure the safety of your information when you travel.
Going on trips should be relaxing and fun, but as frequent flyers/travelers ourselves, we know the stress of keeping an eye on all your belongings. You must keep track of your bags’ location and important documents and gadgets; but physical belongings aren’t the only things you should be worried about when traveling.
We often take for granted what it means to travel with our devices and stay digitally connected, which often means connecting to public networks in hotels, airports, train stations, and conference halls, that employ minimal security measures. Cybersecurity should not be limited to the home, office or classroom; it is important to practice safe online behavior and secure internet-enabled mobile devices whenever you travel, as well. The more you travel and access the internet on the go, the more cyber-risks you face.
Before You Go
- Update Everything: Make sure your phone, tablet, and laptop have the latest software updates. Updates installed on unsecured networks may contain malware.
- Find It, Lock It, Wipe It: Enable “Find My Device” on all your gadgets. If something goes missing, you can track it down, or erase your data remotely.
- Pack Smart: Only bring the devices and documents you absolutely need. Sensitive items you can’t leave behind? Store copies securely in the cloud (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive).
- Secure Your Tech: If you must bring a device with you, ensure it is configured for maximum security: encrypt devices, set strong passwords, and enable features like firewalls, screen locks, and automatic wipes. Automatic wipes are especially useful if a device is lost or stolen since this provides the option for the device to be wiped after a number of unsuccessful attempts to access it. Turn off file-sharing and printer-sharing applications, these can be used to connect to your device.
Get into the habit of locking your device when you are not using it. Even if you only step away for a few minutes, that is enough time for someone to steal or destroy your information. Use strong PINs and passwords.
On the Road (or In the Air)
- Beware of Public Wi-Fi: A good general rule is to assume that anything you do over public Wi-Fi is part of a public conversation, so think before you connect. Public networks in airports, hotels, and coffee shops are playgrounds for cybercriminals, so it is best to use a VPN or stick to your mobile hotspot whenever possible. If you must connect, be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate.
- Be Socially Smart: Resist the urge to post live travel updates on social media; wait until you’re home to share those envy-inducing vacation pics. Even so, enable your privacy settings and be mindful of who may have access to the information you're sharing.
- Juice Jacking is Real: Don’t trust public USB charging stations. Pack a portable charger or plug directly into a wall outlet. This may allow the transfer of malware to your devices or expose your information to compromise and theft.
- Limit Digital Noise: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when not in use, and only connect to networks you trust. Turn off data roaming as well, as the use of data while traveling abroad can be very expensive.
Lastly, and very importantly, keep your device(s) with you at all times during your travel!
Common Cybersecurity Threats to Keep in Mind
- Hackable Wi-Fi: Public networks can expose your devices to prying eyes.Beyond the typical public wireless networks found at airports, restaurants, hotels and cafes, they are increasingly available in other places, such as on airplanes and in public parks.
- Dodgy Public Computers: Those hotel business center PCs? They might be hiding malware like keyloggers to steal your info. Through this malware, criminals are able to receive users’ personal information, such as name, credit card numbers, birthdates and passwords. Scary!
- Physical Theft of Devices: Thieves often target travelers, so always keep your gadgets close. Do not assume they will be safe in your hotel room or in a hotel safe… Meal times are optimum times for thieves to check hotel rooms for unattended laptops. Conference or trade show venues offer thieves a wider selection of devices that are likely to contain sensitive information, and the conference sessions offer more opportunities for thieves to access guest rooms.
When You're Back
- Password Refresh: Change passwords for accounts you accessed while traveling.
- Back Up and Clean Up: Save your data, then wipe devices if needed.
- Purge Old Connections: Delete any Wi-Fi networks or devices you connected to during your trip.
Traveling should be an adventure, not a cyber-nightmare. A little preparation can save you a world of trouble, so lock down your tech, protect your data, and focus on making memories. As Clark Griswold himself might say: “Getting there is half the fun!” Hope you have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas!
