Tips for Safe Holiday Travel

Photo by Anete Lūsiņa on Unsplash

Traveling during the holidays can be a bit chaotic and busy, and cyber criminals take advantage of this to try and catch you off guard when you least expect it. Don’t let cybercriminals ruin your holidays!

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Secure Your Devices. Do not ever leave your phone, computer, or any other personal electronic device unattended. Remember to take your devices with you wherever you go.
2. Lock Down Your Login. Using strong passwords that are difficult for others to guess is a must. If you can stall someone’s access when they try to swipe your phone, you’ll be in a lot less trouble. Passwords like “1234” or using a square for your pattern lock on your phone aren’t very original — and are often the first thing they’ll guess. Using passphrases for your online accounts is a BIG help too, try a movie quote or lyrics to your favorite song!
3. Beware of Public Wi-Fi. Free, paid, or password-protected, public Wi-Fi networks are a minefield of cybercrime. Cybercriminals might name their own malicious networks something that look similar, or even identical, to a real one — so watch out! Even if the network is real, cybercriminals can use it to access your device while it’s connected, so it’s best to steer clear.
4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Hotspot. Instead of public Wi-Fi, connect to your own password-protected signal using a hotspot, or log on to your company VPN for work-related tasks. A VPN masks your location and encrypts the data sent to and from your device.
5. Think Before Sharing. While social media is a wonderful way to stay connected and share all the exciting details of your trip, virtual check-ins and location sharing can let the criminals know you’re away. Remember to be mindful of what you post.

By simply following these travel safety tips, you can rest easier knowing you’re doing your part to stay cyber safe. Have a great trip!