How to make cyber safety a priority while travelling

If you’re constantly on the road and carry your tech and gadgets with you, it’s vital to prepare against potential theft – of the physical devices or the data it contains.

It’s not uncommon in our modern, global society to fall victim to malware attacks. In addition, cybercriminals could clean out your bank accounts or even steal your identity.

In fact, the South African Fraud Prevention Service said back in 2019 that some types of identity fraud had risen by as much as 99% since 2018. Here’s how to stay safe while travelling.

How to be cyber-safe while travelling

One-bag minimalistic travel

The easiest way to limit the number of connected devices in your backpack is to take only the essentials. If you can leave a specific device behind, do it and thank us later.

Not only will it be a breeze to board and depart from the airport, but you’ll also reduce the risk of identity theft. By backing it up to cloud, you’ll also have all your important documents secured even if your luggage is stolen.

Secured over public networks

Secure public Wi-Fi doesn’t exist, as simple as that. Treat every public Wi-Fi hotspot like a firearm and proceed with extreme caution. Always assume it’s loaded and able to do you severe damage.

Hackers will commonly try and intercept your data between your devices and the hotspot. If you absolutely have to connect to a public Wi-Fi hotspot, then you need to use a virtual private network (VPN).

Cybercriminals out to steal your data often create spoof public Wi-Fi networks in airports, coffee shops, and hotels. The networks appear to be safe, but connecting to it will make it easy for cybercriminals to access your data.

Change the settings on your device to prevent it from automatically connecting to open Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.

Encrypt data stored on your device

Securing your hard drive includes everything from encrypting it to keeping track of the physical unit when you’re out and about. Be prudent when using public networks. We wrote a nifty little guide about it over here.

Research encryption software to keep sensitive data private, even if your devices are surrendered at a border for inspection. It could happen, you never know.

Alternatively, install a VPN application and learn how to use it. You never know when you need to carry out business or transactions in public. This way, you’ll have an extra safety net, just in case.

Secure your phones and other devices

You have a password on your laptop, phone and tablet. But in reality, if you haven’t encrypted your data, then nothing really stops someone from taking your hard drive or SD card out of your machine and plugging it into theirs.

Encryption ensures that your data is only accessible when you or your operating system gives it the correct security key, and prevents anyone else from accessing your data.

Alternatively, scan all your important documents and keep copies in the cloud, in apps like Evernote, or email it to yourself. This includes your passport, credit cards, travel insurance, any receipts you may need.

Remember to turn your devices off when they aren’t in use. At the very least, keep it locked with a password to prevent it from being accessible to those who could use your data for profitable gain.

Secure your passwords

Prevention is better than cure, and one way to prevent a possible attack is to use strong passwords. The best way to create a secure password is to use a mix of random alphanumeric characters and symbols.

Most of us are guilty of reusing passwords. It is problematic as a security breach on one site could compromise a users’ security on every other site.

In addition to the above, use Google’s Password Checkup. One click will tell you if any of your passwords are weak, including whether you’ve reused them across multiple sites.

Beware of ‘juice jacking’

‘Juice jacking’ is when cybercriminals steal data over public USB charging stands. While these stands may seem convenient, it would be best to avoid it altogether.

Rather invest in a couple of power banks and keep it charged at all times. If you really need to use a public USB charger, ensure that your devices are turned off before plugging it in.

Also read – Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Here’s how to stay safe online