The summer vacation season is right around the corner and for many of us that means lounging on sunny beaches, reading a book under a shade tree, or hitting the road for a new adventure. It can also mean identity theft. Attackers are constantly refining their methods to gain access to and steal sensitive information, identities, intellectual property, and more. Whether you’re vacationing or taking a business trip, traveling by car or by plane, make sure cyber security is on your checklist.
Tips to help ensure your devices and private data stay safe while you and your family are on vacation:
- Back Up Before You Travel
If you’re taking a laptop, back up the data on your computer to a hard drive or the cloud before you leave home. This way, you won’t lose everything if your device is stolen or infected with malware.
- Technology Is Valuable – Don’t Show It Off
Keep your devices in a hotel safe where possible. If you have a safe in your room where you get to choose the combination, don’t choose 1-2-3-4 (that’s the first one a thief will try). Don’t advertise possessions to thieves. For instance, don’t park your car then get out, walk round and put your cellphone and laptop in the trunk. Put valuables in the trunk before parking.
- Only Use Password Protected Wi-Fi
Other countries don’t have the same regulations on public Wi-Fi as the U.S., so sticking to a password-protected network, like the ones offered at most hotels, is your safest bet if you need to access the Internet. Similarly, if you use a public computer for a quick email, always make sure you’ve logged out of your account before leaving. Look for the HTTPS extension at the beginning of the URL to ensure it’s protected, and avoid free public Wi-Fi whenever possible.
- Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation on Social Media
It’s extremely dangerous to broadcast your location every few hours on social media. In fact, you’re telling online criminals that you’re not at home. Post all your pictures after you get back home, and limit info on your specific whereabouts when using social media.
- Stick to the Basics
Many travelers think about packing light when it comes to clothes and toiletries. This applies to mobile devices and personal data as well. If you don’t think you’ll use it, don’t take it.
- Get Physical
Simple physical security measures can be the difference between keeping data safe and suffering a breach. Don’t leave devices unattended in public. It can be tempting to put you smartphone off to the side while you check your bags at the airport or to leave your laptop sitting on the table while you go to the cafe counter to get a refill. Thieves are opportunistic. They can snatch up your device in a second. Keep your smartphone in an interior pocket or bag when not in use, and consider using a wireless headset when walking and talking. If something is lost or stolen report it to the local authorities immediately.
- Turn Off Automatic Bluetooth Connectivity
Bluetooth is great in the car or at home, where it’s safe to communicate with other electronic devices. With your Bluetooth connectivity left open in public locations, anyone sitting in a hotel lobby or nearby coffee shop can pick up that signal and gain access to your phone. This can happen suddenly and without your knowledge. The only way to avoid this threat is to keep this feature turned off while in public places.
- Watch Your Back
Shoulder surfers use direct observation techniques, such as looking over someone’s shoulder, to get information. This is particularly effective in crowded places because it’s relatively easy to observe someone as they enter passwords on a computer, fill out a form, or enter their PIN at an ATM. Shoulder surfing can be completely concealed in settings where people are normally packed together, such as on public transportation, airplanes, concert halls, or even a busy emergency room, and can also be done at a distance using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices. Angle your mobile device so that only you are able to see what is on the screen. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, not just people but also video cameras. Consider using a screen protector to obscure the visibility of the display. Avoid doing anything on your mobile device that involves entering sensitive information when in a crowded public place.
Be smart, be vigilant, and use common sense.
Resource Links:
http://www.smartmeetings.com/news/70452/cyber-security-critical-on-vacation-and-trips
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/should-i-be-worried-about-cybersecurity-while-traveling
https://www.fnbn.com/security-center/vacation-security-tips/