As the COVID-19 pandemic spurs people to replace their social lives with digital transactions and social media interactions, the internet is having a hard time maintaining a secure grid for users, while keeping up with this surge in activity. With coronavirus-themed fake apps, domain names and websites, malware and phishing scams posing a cybercrime threat, how can you be vigilant about keeping your personal data safe when it’s time to travel again?
Remember, airport Wi-Fi, public USB charging stations, and location sharing can undermine your cybersecurity. So, it’s important to keep your data safe, not just at home, but while you’re on the move as well – and to plan ahead, where possible.
Below are some simple, and easy to perform, steps that will help you keep your data safe when you’re ready to travel again.
Most smartphones, laptops, and tablets come equipped with security settings that will enable you to lock the device using a PIN number or fingerprint ID. Do this on every available device. While traveling, change the PIN numbers you use to access your data. Once home, repeat this to mitigate your exposure to a breach
Before you set off on your travels, be sure to update the operating systems across your devices. This includes apps on your phone – and it is worth considering disabling, or even deleting, those that carry your personal and financial information for the duration of your trip.
The laws and regulations that govern online security vary from country to country. Free Wi-Fi access can be appealing, while waiting in airport or train station, for example. But it also carries security issues. It is also worth avoiding Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots, unless they carry password requirements – and, even if they do have this layer of protection, its best to avoid accessing personal accounts or sensitive data on their network.
Publicly accessible USB ports carry real risk to your devices and data. Termed “juice-jacking”, this threat has grown considerably in recently years, and allows criminals to load malware into the phones and other electronic devices of unsuspecting users at power stations. This malware can lock devices and export data, such as passwords, directly to the scammer. It is therefore advisable to carry a mains charger while you’re travelling, or to use your own personal power bank. In short: avoid publicly accessible USB ports at all times.
Most smartphones have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks as you pass through them on your day-to-day activities. While this is a handy feature, it does carry risk when traveling abroad. Before you travel, change this setting, so that your smartphone and laptop asks you before connecting each time you wish to access the Internet. The same should apply to Bluetooth connectivity while you’re away. Unless you absolutely have to use it, it’s best to keep this function switched off for the duration of your trip. It’ll also extend the battery life of your device, too!
It’s very common to update social media while travelling to new cities and countries. However, the problem with this is that it creates a security threat. By signalling your location, you can make it easy for a criminal to determine that you’re not in your hotel room or at your home, and therefore leave your personal belongings within these areas vulnerable to a physical intrusion. Limit the information you post online about your specific whereabouts.
This is a simple step that’s invariably overlooked by travellers – yet it’s one that’s become so much easier to perform, thanks to the rise of mobile and internet banking applications. Gone are the days of having to go into a branch or sitting on hold on the phone to speak with your bank. Now, most banking apps carry an encrypted chat or messaging feature, which allows you to notify them of your movements. This quick and largely painless action before a trip can help nip potential credit or debit card fraud in the bud and allow you to access your money without the fear, and headache, of limitations being imposed on your account.
As the saying goes, “it’s better to be safe than sorry”. So, before setting out on your travels, do be mindful of the risks you face, from a cyber security point of view, and do your best to minimise these, where possible.
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