Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Safe Travel: Keep Your Devices Protected What You Need To Know Before Travelling | #hacking | #cybersecurity | #infosec | #comptia | #pentest | #ransomware

The last thing anyone wants to worry about while traveling for the holidays is cyber threats. Whether your phone gets stolen or your laptop gets hacked, personal information can be at risk when you’re on the road. In an effort to guide travelers through all the murky waters of cybersecurity while abroad, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH. com) has 10 tips for safeguarding your devices and the information they hold. These pro tips are simple to use, so your gadgets will stay safe whether you’re chilling on the beach or exploring a new city.

From how to prepare before you leave to staying safe while traveling, here’s your guide to how to avoid getting cyber headaches while overseas.

Before You Go: Getting Ready for Cybersecurity Success

A little preparation can go a long way in protecting your personal data before you even leave the front door. Here’s the ultimate checklist to make the most of your trip.

Lock Your Devices

It’s low-tech, but it’s the first step in the fight. Ensure that your phones, tablets and laptops are locked with a strong passcode, fingerprint ID or facial recognition. It will prevent your information from falling into the wrong hands in case your device is lost or stolen. You might want to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Backup Important Data

Before you leave, make sure to back up your important files — photos, contacts, documents — so if your devices are lost or damaged, you don’t lose anything essential. You will be glad you have that backup if it goes wrong.

Update Operating Systems

If it’s not an automated update, you’ve probably all seen those notifications and hit “remind me later.” But skip this crucial step? Not when you’re traveling. Maintaining the latest version of your device’s software also means you have the most recent security patches, which can help protect your system from a cyberattack.

Invest in Anti-Virus Protection

Run your machines with reliable anti-virus protection such as Norton or McAfee. It’s a simple and effective way to protect yourself from malicious attacks. And remember, keep it updated!

Set Up A VPN A VPN (virtual private network) is a piece of software that encrypts the data you are sending and receiving over the internet, so you can browse the web securely.

When you are on the continent, you gotta have a VPN. This could entail networks that are much less secure, and if you’re using a VPN, the data is encrypted, so hacking and overhearing become very difficult to do for a potential hacker. And it can even help you access geo-blocked content, such as some of your favorite TV shows from home.

On the Road: Be Smart and Safe

When you’re on the move, vigilance is only responsible. Here are some of my top tips for protecting yourself while traveling:

Hand Carry Electronics in Your Cabin Luggage

You don’t want to have them lost, stolen or damaged, so pack all your devices in your carry-on bag so you can keep an eye on them. Be sure they’re turned off or in sleep mode, and consider putting them in a rugged case for added protection.

Store Devices Securely

Once you’re in your hotel, keep your devices somewhere safe, ideally in an in-room safe. It might be tempting to scatter them around the room, but you may tempt thieves. Keep your gadgets out of reach in hotel safes or locked luggage.

Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is a gold mine for cybercriminals. Never log into important accounts and services on public Wi-Fi, and never enter personal information. Turn off auto-connect in your device or phone so that it doesn’t automatically connect to a suspicious Wi-Fi network.

Disable bluetooth when you do not use it

Bluetooth is a wonderful way to connect devices wirelessly, but when you aren’t using it, switch it off. Bluetooth is something that hackers can use to get into your phone from a distance, so you’re better off turning it off.

Limit Location Sharing

You might be tempted to tweet out your location, but it can also let thieves know you’re not in that beautiful home (or hotel room). To be on the safe side, wait until after your trip to post holiday photos, or turn off location tagging altogether.

Travel Smart and Stay Secure

Traveling is all fun and games until you’re at risk — cyber risk, that is. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS So, by incorporating these simple tips, the threat of cyber grinch won’t ruin your holiday. From locking down your devices to turning on a VPN, here are five keys things you can do to ensure peace of mind and focus on enjoying your trip.

Travel smart, be safe, have the best vacation without the concern of online crime behind every click.