Eight Cybersecurity Travel Technology Tips from Security Specialists!

Before You Hit the Road – Check Your Travel Technology!

Travel provides us with the opportunity to experience new people, cultures and adventures. And now with the ever-expanding capabilities of mobile devices, folks can book, map and pay for their travel itineraries all from the palm of their hand.

However, for all the convenience that technology brings, there are increased risks as well. To help you leverage the most of technology without exposing your personal identity to cyber-attackers, here are eight safety and security tips from Security Specialists.

Before You Leave

• Double check your MFA settings. If you use multifactor authentication (MFA) to secure your email and other applications, make sure you know how (or if) MFA will work in the countries you are visiting.  If your MFA relies on SMS to work, be sure that you will be able to receive that SMS message in the destination that you are visiting. If the option is available to you, consider using a physical token to ensure you’ll be able to login to your accounts.
• If you’re unsure about your MFA or have other cybersecurity concerns, consider leaving your usual devices at home. Some travel locations have very little concern or laws in place regarding individual privacy rights. If you’re traveling to such a place, consider leaving your primary mobile device at home and purchasing a replacement device to take with you instead. Put only the applications, services, and data that you will need for that trip on the device.
• Back-up your data! Backing up your data ensures that you won’t lose information if your device is lost or stolen. Consider encrypting your data as well.
• Protect your devices with a strong password or lengthy passcode to make it harder for your device to be used and data to be accessed by others in the event of theft or loss.
• Make sure your devices and applications are up to date and patched to protect your hardware and applications from security vulnerabilities and threats.

When You Arrive

• Never use unsecured public Wi-Fi. An unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot is an open invitation to others to view the contents of your electronic activity. Never access your sensitive financial accounts from an unsecured network. If you must access sensitive data from an unsecured network, be sure that you use a VPN service.
• For safety’s sake, be smart about posting on social media. It is always fun to post vacation pictures in the moment, but online postings on social networks (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) can let other people know that you are not at home and that your home may be empty.
• Use the hotel safe to protect your technology. Just as you would put your passport, jewelry and money in a hotel safe, consider using that safe to hold your electronic devices when you are not carrying them with you.

Security Specialists Want You to Know that Most Common Travel Technology Cybersecurity Woes can be Avoided by Preparing Before You Leave Home!