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It’s Summertime!!! You know what that means, our accumulated PTO is finally put to use to enjoy the outdoors and travel. For some, people travel is local, while others travel internationally for an adventure like no other. While traveling, your cellphone is your most prized possession, capturing memories, laughs and a focal point into monitoring your social media and other necessities.
In high travel season, your devices are far more vulnerable and run the risk of getting stolen, someone watching your stories with ill intent knowing you are not home or accessing an unsecured network that potentially contains malicious malware. You shouldn’t have to travel with fear in the back of your mind. We will be discussing how you can protect your devices while traveling so the only obstacle you face is the traffic of coming back to work on Monday morning.
The Statistics Away from Your Desk
Did you know that while traveling, 60% of users admit to using unsecured Wi-Fi networks? Or that 25% of travelers that lost their devices contained sensitive information? While these numbers sound unnerving, it is an essential reminder that before you travel for a well-deserved vacation, make sure your devices are as ready as you getting through TSA before your flight.
Traveling to a new location doesn’t necessarily mean you will outwardly experience cybercrime, a lot of it starts at the airport. While airports have tight security, in today’s evolving cybersecurity environment, bad actors will find creative ways to try to steal your info for personal financial gain. Instead of fearing traveling, let’s talk about how we can ensure your safety is prioritized and your trip is stress free.
Take Precaution for the Following:
1. Public Chargers: Often seen as considerate for those with low battery on-the-go, and in some ways innovative for our present world; however, malware has been found present at airport kiosks, public charging stations. One that certainly caught my attention that has also experienced Malware is the hotel USB lamps (I guess that explains why it fails to charge efficiently)!
Consider: If you absolutely need to use a charging station, consider powering down your devices before plugging into your phone. This is the ideal scenario if you’re in a layover waiting for your next flight to your destination or if youre heading to a business conference.
2. Public Wi-Fi: Most times when we arrive at your resort, hotel or AirBNB, free Wi-Fi sounds appealing especially after a long day of traveling. In airports, it is strongly suggested to not connect to open Wi-Fi networks. The reason being that a lot of these networks while having easy access, it also gives easy access for hackers to implement malware as it lacks encryption that is placed on private networks to help keep data safe.
Consider: Using a personal hotspot to ensure your safety while traveling knowing your Wi-Fi signal is safe and secure. Of course, use this if you have substantial battery life as hot spot can drain data and battery life.Or consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connecting on public Wi-Fi.
3. Disable Auto Connect and Bluetooth: Following up with having access to public wifi, make sure you disable auto connect so you do not connect to an unknown unsecure network. Disabling auto connects, make sure you also disable Bluetooth when not in use to mitigate any further malware risks.
4. Log On or Log Off? Yes, even the TV in your hotel room has a risk of having cybersecurity holes that could put any account you choose to log in with at risk.
Consider: If you choose to log into your Netflix account while traveling, make sure you log out of your account before checking out of the hotel room. If you don’t, you run the risk of unauthorized use of your account and then changing login credentials on their end that affect you.
5. Device Supervision: You may be under the impression your hotel is safe to leave devices unattended for a moment, it’s better not to take the risk. Make sure your devices are always in supervision, or take your devices with you, even if you grab a drink, a towel, or swim by the pool.
Consider: Always have your cellphone or other important devices on your person, or in the hotel safe for peace of mind. If you’re concerned and want to take another precautionary step, have an Apple Air Tag to monitor if your belongings may have been touched. You can also lock your devices in the in-room safe while not in use.
6. Be Cautious to What You Share Online: It’s muscle memory to want to show your followers, your friends, and family the amazing vacation you are experiencing, but be careful what and where you post. You never know who may be watching from at the hotel or someone knowing you’re not home.
Consider: Be careful what you post. Do not post the exact location where you are staying (For example: If you’re staying at a resort in Florida, It’s fine to use a geo tag that says ‘Insert city here’, Florida, just not the actual hotel), flaunting wealth that could envy others with ill intent, and or any additional information of where you’re leaving and heading back home. It’s best to post your memories when you are back from your trip.
Most people are usually nice with good intentions, but remember to stay vigilant of your surroundings, your accounts and devices.
Ekaru and Cybersecurity Awareness Training
While there is only so much a person can do when their physical phone or other devices have been stolen, our team at Ekaru can help you provide important awareness training on cybersecurity practices that will allow you to make smarter decisions that will protect you and your team down the line.
Every month, Ekaru holds a free online webinar arranging on multiple topics of cybersecurity awareness. If the idea of implementing exceptional cybersecurity measures for your business’ devices is an overwhelming task that you have no idea where to start or where to look, Ekaru is here to help you every step of the way. We love helping our community out in any way we can.
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity and budgeting a plan that works best for you, reach out to Ekaru at 978-692-4200 and we will get you started!