Are you safe from cyber-crime while travelling? These cyber security tips will help travellers stay safe. Almost all travellers rely on Wi-Fi while on the move, be it locally or globally. Most merely log on to a free network and browse webpages or attend to emails without thinking about the network security. This potentially exposes passwords and private information to hackers around the world.
“… without thinking about network security …”
“Be wary of all free Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Make sure you’re connecting only to official Wi-Fi offerings. Better yet, if you can’t be sure you’re using the right open Wi-Fi network, use your phone’s tethering feature. There’s several key actions that travellers must be wary of when it comes to data security while on the road.” explains Microsoft data security expert Roger Grimes.
A spokesperson from Norton by Symantec says “by remaining vigilant during your travels, you can greatly reduce your risk of suffering cyber-threats.”
1. Lock Your Devices
Smart phones, laptops, tablets and most devices are equipped with security settings that enable you to lock the device using a PIN or fingerprint ID. Do this on every available device. While travelling, change the PIN numbers you regularly use.
If any of your devices are misplaced or forgotten somewhere, this will be the first line of defence against a security breach.
“… first line of defence …”
2. Be careful of Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi access can be very appealing while travelling but is also particularly vulnerable to security issues. Avoid unencrypted Wi-Fi networks and check with your hotel about its security protocol before connecting to the Web.
Be extra cautious using Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots; if you must use them, avoid opening personal accounts or sensitive data while connected to that network.
“… vulnerable to security …”
3. Deactivate Auto-Connect
Most phones have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks as you pass through them. Although this is a nice feature when used at home, it’s not something you should allow while traveling. Before you travel, change this setting so that your smartphone and laptop must be manually connected each time you access the Web.
“… manually connected …”
4. Avoid or Minimise Sharing Your Location
It’s very common for travellers to update social networking sites as they travel around new states or cities but the problem with this type of excessive sharing is that it creates a security threat at home.
By sharing your every location, you make it easy for criminals to determine that you’re not in your hotel room or at your home, leaving your personal belongings within these areas vulnerable to intrusion.
Limit the information you post online about your whereabouts, this limit security threats to your personal property.
“… security threat at home …”
5. You Really Need Anti-Virus Protection
Paid Anti-Virus Protection Software is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your personal information secure while traveling.
In addition to using a trusted brand of security, make sure that you regularly update the software as new versions become available.
“… easiest and most effective …”
6. Update Your Operating System
Just like your anti-virus software, keep your operating systems as current as possible. This applies to apps on your phone, take special care to update apps that you regularly use to conduct financial or personal business.
“… update apps …”
7. Update Your Passwords Regularly and Before Travel
If you plan on travelling, change all of the passwords you regularly use. Similarly, if you must create a PIN for a safe or security box in a hotel room, make sure it’s unique and not something you commonly use.
Don’t hold back on password creations either, a numerical sequence is not ideal. Take time to create something that will keep criminals out of your personal property. Once you return home, you can change all the passwords back.
“… keep criminals out …”
8. Disable Bluetooth Connectivity
As with your phone’s automatic Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity can present problems. Bluetooth signals can come from anywhere and if your Bluetooth is left on, nearby assailants can connect to your phone and possibly hack your device. Keep Bluetooth disabled as much as possible while travelling.
“… possibly hack your device …”
Please remain cyber vigilant during your travels in order to reduce your risk of suffering cyber-threats. Lock your devices and update passwords regularly, be wary of public Wi-Fi and too much location sharing, disable auto-connect and Bluetooth connectivity and set up anti-virus protection and keep operating systems up to date.
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