Vacations should be fun and completely carefree. However, the rise of cybercrime is making traveling super dangerous. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new and innovative ways to get their hands on your personal information. It could happen in crowded airports, social networks, unmonitored Wi-Fi networks, or anywhere if you are not careful.
Are you eager to start traveling again? If you are packing your suitcases for the next great adventure, remember these tips will protect your personal information while on the move!
Table of Contents
1. Passwords and PINs
Traveling without electronic devices is almost impossible nowadays. We can plan an entire trip from the comfort of a home. Our laptops, tablets, and phones contain so much personal information, so it is mandatory to keep them safe. After all, you might leave them somewhere, or worse – your electronics could get stolen.
Passwords and PINs will ensure that no one can break into a device and get their hands on your data. Enable them on all devices you plan on packing for your vacation. It will take you just a couple of minutes to set everything up. The difference in terms of security can be enormous.
2. Use a VPN
Free Wi-Fi networks are convenient and available almost everywhere you go. Unfortunately, these are not super safe. Hackers often launch man-in-the-middle attacks using open Wi-Fi networks and get their hands on usernames and passwords this way.
All you need is a VPN (or Virtual Private Network). As the name suggests, a VPN creates a tunnel that keeps all the data you send or receive fully encrypted. It means that cybercriminals won’t be able to see your login information even if they manage to intercept it somehow.
3. Stay Off the Social Media
Believe it or not, thieves often turn to social media to find their next target. Therefore, it might be best not to live-stream your vacation or travel destination. Instead, publish those photos and videos once you get back home.
Make sure that only your friends and family know that you are out of the country. After all, you probably won’t bring all the electronics, credit cards, and documents with you. It is just another way to protect your personal information while exploring another part of the planet.
4. Make Use of a Hotel Safe
Many hotels offer safes for their guests. These are an excellent option for storing any valuables you won’t need for a day. If you are not planning to catch up with the work, it is better to place your laptop in a safe instead of leaving it in a room.
The majority of frequent travelers transfer the scans of the documents to a USB stick. Some make photocopies and carry them everywhere. Since these can come in handy in numerous situations, consider placing them in the hotel safe. The same goes for other electronics such as external hard drives, tablets, etc. Don’t leave your gadgets on the bed or nightstand if you don’t need them that day.
5. Avoid Public USB Charging Ports
You have probably seen public USB charging ports in airports or overcrowded public places. These can be easily hacked and could endanger your personal information. Therefore, it is best to stay clear of them, especially while traveling.
But what to do when you need to recharge your phone on the go? A heavy-duty power bank is your best friend when traveling. You can charge your phone and be sure your data is safe. If you don’t want to invest in a new power bank, always carry a charger with you and find an outlet in a café or a restaurant if you can’t make it to the room.
6. Check Your Financial Accounts Frequently
Create a habit of keeping a close eye on your financial accounts daily, especially when traveling. Luckily, it is easy to monitor your transactions nowadays, thanks to online banking and various apps. Always know how much money you have on your credit card. It is the best way to track your spending and notice sketchy transactions.
Of course, remember to switch on your VPN before logging into your financial accounts. Even if you are in a hotel and using their Wi-Fi, it is better to be safe than sorry. A VPN will protect your login information in case anyone is lurking on the network. And don’t forget to log out every time!
For more information please visit: selenium for web scraping
