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Keep Your Personal Information Safe While Traveling
Vacations should be happy escapes from the everyday stress of home, but the happiness can be abruptly disrupted if your confidential data is jeopardized while you’re away.
Check out these nine tips for how you can keep your personal data safe:
Make Travel Arrangements From Secure Sites and Reputable Companies
When arranging travel plans, visit the official website of the company to make your reservations. The website should include “HTTPS” in the URL. If you’re uncertain about the authenticity of the site, check with the company or try a free tool, such as Norton Safe Web. The tool helps users identify malicious websites. Making travel arrangements through trusted travel agents is also a good idea. Travel agents bring to the table a comprehensive shield of safety and reliability, ensuring every aspect of your trip is meticulously planned and secure.
Activate Passcodes/PIN on Mobile Devices Prior to Departure
Activating basic security features on your mobile phones could be your initial protection while traveling. If your laptop or mobile is left unattended, misplaced or stolen, a potential criminal will find it more challenging to access your device when a password lock is set.
Deactivate Automatic Bluetooth Connections
Bluetooth is convenient in the car or at home, where it’s secure to interact with other electronic gadgets. However, the majority of us neglect to deactivate Bluetooth connectivity when we visit public locations, especially while on vacation.
If you leave the Bluetooth connectivity on, anyone in a hotel lobby or nearby café can trace the signal and infiltrate your device. This can occur rapidly and without your knowledge. Take a moment to prevent this threat by deactivating Bluetooth while when you’re away from home.
Connect Only to Password-Protected Wi-Fi Networks
This advice is crucial, particularly if you’re journeying overseas. Other nations often lack the same rules on public Wi-Fi as the United States, hence, sticking to a password-protected network, such as those provided in most major hotels, is possibly your safest option if need to access the internet. Avoid linking to free public Wi-Fi whenever feasible.
Also, if you need to use a public computer to check or send emails, always log out of your account before leaving. Check for the HTTPS extension at the beginning of the URL to confirm it’s secure.
Utilize a VPN
Extend your security on public Wi-Fi by employing a VPN. A virtual private network (VPN) creates a secure ‘passage’ that encrypts the data you transmit and collect while on public Wi-Fi. One of the biggest threats to using public Wi-Fi is from cybercriminals. These criminals can intercept data via a man-in-the middle attack through public Wi-Fi options. Your financial account details, passwords, usernames, and virtually any data you transmit or collect could be intercepted by hackers on the same public network.
Monitor Sensitive Accounts Regularly
Prior to departing the hotel for a day's exploration, make it a habit of checking sensitive financial accounts. Also, check them when you return home. The sooner you detect unfamiliar or fraudulent activity, the better. Just ensure you log out of your accounts after each use.
Secure Smart Devices in a Hotel Safe
Some hotel rooms provide safes for stashing sensitive data or precious keepsakes while traveling. Use the safe to store any smart devices you won’t need for the day, like a laptop, USB drive, external hard drive or wearable technology. Don’t openly leave these electronics lying around in your hotel room.
Refrain From Announcing Your Vacation on Social Media
Though it may be enticing to share your holiday experiences online, it’s unwise to announce your location every few hours on social media. Why? You could be telling people you're not home, where you may have left important personal data unsecured. And let's not forget about all the other valuables in your house! Post your holiday photos after you return home and limit the details on your specific whereabouts.
Don’t Over-Analyze Your Security Risks
Do not obsess over your mobile security while traveling. It’s not healthy, and it may not be pleasant for the friends and family accompanying you. Installing and operating reputable device security software on all your gadgets prior to departure can help you enjoy your travels without the worry.
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