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Cybersecurity tips for using technology while traveling

When traveling, we take with us not only suitcases full of clothes, personal belongings, dreams, and the desire to relax and have fun. In our pockets, bags, or carry-on luggage, we carry cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices with Internet access. These devices have become tools that help us navigate, stay in touch with loved ones, work, preserve memories, and get the most out of every trip.

Being constantly connected to the internet makes our lives easier in many ways, especially when we are traveling and want to stay in touch with our families. But if we are not careful when using our devices, we can fall victim to cyberattacks. Using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, using easily recognizable passwords, or failing to update these devices creates ideal opportunities for attackers to access our information, our accounts, or render our devices virtually useless with malicious techniques such as ransomware.

Cybersecurity should be part of our daily lives and even our vacations. Prevention and basic cybersecurity measures, as well as proper use of devices outside the home, can make all the difference.

What risks does a traveler face?

Our devices are exposed to greater risks and security threats if we do not take the necessary precautions outside the home, for example:

☑️ Free and unsecured Wi-Fi: Some places, such as airports, cafes, hotels, and tourist attractions, offer free Wi-Fi. Often, the networks they use to connect to our networks are not encrypted, which means that anyone can intercept our communications and spy on our traffic to steal our information (man-in-the-middle attack).
☑️ Due to the hustle and bustle of traveling, we may forget, lose, or even have our devices stolen: if they do not have a reliable lock or encryption (biometric protection, password), whoever finds them can access the information stored on them.
☑️ There are places where cybercriminals use certain busy tourist areas to carry out attacks, for example, by using fake Wi-Fi networks, sending phishing emails or messages via messaging apps that mimic local services, or even installing malware using deliberately left infected USB drives.
☑️ Fake or fraudulent ATMs: One type of fraud involves hacking ATMs. Installing fraudulent devices in official ATMs allows thieves to steal customers’ banking information when they withdraw or deposit money. You may even encounter completely fake ATMs.
☑️ Fake QR codes: In tourist areas, you may encounter signs with QR codes that redirect you to fraudulent websites that mimic real websites and are designed to steal your data, among other things.

And be careful what you post on social media. We all love to share how much fun we’re having with friends and family, but remember that:

☑️ If you upload photos with geolocation or location tags, anyone can determine that you are not at home and where you are.
☑️ You may become a victim of a targeted cyberattack, such as targeted phishing scams offering travel discounts or free tours.

How can you protect yourself digitally while working ?

First and foremost, be cautious, but here is a list of best practices to help you maintain your cybersecurity:

☑️ Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks and try to use a mobile connection or virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your network traffic. If you need to connect to a public network, avoid accessing sensitive services such as online banking, email, etc.
☑️ If you use and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), even if someone gains access to your password, they won’t be able to access it without all the necessary steps, such as an authentication app, registered mobile phone, or email address.
☑️ Ensure that your devices have the latest security updates installed. Updates fix vulnerabilities and improve security.
Store photos, documents, and important data in the cloud or on an external drive and encrypt them before traveling. Backing up your data ensures that it can be recovered in the event of a security incident.
☑️ Disable automatic connections so your device doesn’t automatically connect to unknown Wi-Fi or Bluetooth networks.
☑️ Don’t reuse passwords, and if you can’t remember them, use a password manager to keep them safe and accessible.
☑️ Enable device tracking features such as Find My iPhone for iOS or Find My Device for Android, which allow you to locate, lock, or erase data from your device if it is lost.
☑️ Be careful when scanning QR codes. If you are unsure of the source, do not use it. If absolutely necessary, use apps that show the URL before opening it, such as Kapersky QR Scanner or Trend Micro QR Scanner, and others.

Helpful tips

Bring a charger or portable battery with you to avoid using public charging stations, which may be unsafe.
Don’t share your current location; wait until you get home to tell people where you’ve been and how much fun you’ve had.
Turn off services you won’t be using, such as Bluetooth or GPS, if you don’t need them.

What should you do if you become a victim ?

If you notice anything unusual on your devices or accounts during your trip, such as unrecognized logins, suspicious messages sent from your profiles, or if you have lost or had your device stolen, you should act quickly. Try to disconnect the device from the internet to prevent potential remote access, and use a secure computer to change the passwords for your most important accounts.

If your device has been stolen, use tools such as Apple’s Find My Device or Google’s Find My Device to lock it or remotely wipe it. In addition, if you believe your banking or personal information has been compromised, contact your financial institution as soon as possible to block transactions. If possible, report the incident to law enforcement. You can also seek help from online witnesses to confirm any information you receive during the process.

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