For the past several years, as the summer break arrives, we have provided cybersecurity travel tips for families to implement when traveling – here’s our updated article for 2024 – enjoy!
In today’s onlife world technology has become an integral part of our lives, even during our summer holiday travels. From booking accommodations to navigating unfamiliar destinations to keeping our kids entertained our reliance on technology is undeniable. However, as we embark on our holiday this summer break, it is essential to prioritize our families’ online safety and protect our personal information. In this article, we discuss various strategies and precautions that you can consider as a family to ensure a more secure and enjoyable family travel experience while using technology.
- Secure Your Devices: Lock down your devices with strong passwords, PINs, or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint or facial recognition). Passwords should be a minimum of 7-8 digits in length and contain upper case letters, lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Ensure that all family members use these security measures on their smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Locking devices when not in use is particularly important as it prevents unauthorized access if they are misplaced or stolen.
- Update and Strengthen Passwords: Before traveling, update passwords for your personal and business accounts, and encourage your family members to do the same. Create strong, unique passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords for each account. Avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts and change them periodically for enhanced security.
- Stick To Secure Websites. When making bookings online, look for HTTPS (s=secure) in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar – to increase privacy think about using a more private browser such as the Firefox Browser, the Ghostry Browser, the Brave Browser, or the new DuckDuckGo browser, rather than the Google Chrome Browser. Also, before booking, check out reputable reviews to ensure you’re choosing a location with a solid reputation and great customer experiences.
- Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi: Using public Wi-Fi networks in airports, hotels, or cafes can expose your family’s data to potential threats. Hackers can intercept sensitive information transmitted over unsecured Wi-Fi connections. If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from prying eyes. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, ensuring your online activities remain private. The VPN we use and recommend is called “Private Internet Access” (1) NOTE – stay away from using free VPN’s only use “premium” VPN’s like Private Internet Access.
- Install Antivirus Software: Protect your family’s devices by installing reputable antivirus software. Antivirus programs help detect and remove malware, viruses, and other malicious software that can compromise your data. Keep the antivirus software updated with the latest security patches and enable automatic scanning for real-time protection. We use a product called “Bitdefender” (2)
- Keep Operating Systems and Apps Updated: Regularly update the operating systems and applications on your family’s devices. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploits. Before traveling, ensure that all devices have the latest software versions installed. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of security breaches.
- Disable Bluetooth: Disable Bluetooth when not in use, as cybercriminals can exploit Bluetooth connections to gain unauthorized access to your family’s devices. Leaving Bluetooth enabled in crowded places increases the likelihood of someone connecting to your device without your knowledge. Disable Bluetooth to minimize this risk.
- Backup Data to the Cloud: Before traveling, backup important data from your family’s devices to a secure cloud storage service. Cloud backups protect your data from loss or damage in case of device theft, loss, or hardware failure. It also allows you to access your data remotely when needed.
- Avoid Auto-Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks: Disable the auto-connect feature on your family’s devices, which automatically connects to available Wi-Fi networks. This feature can expose your devices to unsecured networks without your knowledge. Manually connect to trusted and secure networks and avoid connecting to unknown or suspicious Wi-Fi networks.
- Beware of Skimmer Devices: Protect your family’s credit card information by being vigilant for skimmer devices. Skimmers can copy card data without physical contact, compromising your financial security. Additionally, inspect ATMs for any signs of tampering before using them. Think about using a Faraday bag or backpack to protect your car keyfob, credit cards, passport, and hotel RFID key from being skimmed (3)
- Set Up Setting Up Credit Card Confirmation Use Messages: this is crucial for protecting against fraudulent use by enabling immediate detection and response to unauthorized transactions while on holidays – or at any time, for that matter. These instant alerts allow you to quickly report suspicious activity, preventing further charges and minimizing potential losses. They also help monitor spending in real-time, making it easier to spot irregularities and provide peace of mind by ensuring that any unauthorized use is swiftly detected. Additionally, the detailed transaction information in these messages helps verify legitimacy. Overall, confirmation messages are a proactive measure that significantly enhances the security of your financial transactions when using a credit card on holidays.
- Limit Location Sharing: While it’s tempting to share travel experiences on social media, avoid oversharing information that reveals your family’s current location or absence from home. Broadcasting your travel plans can make your property more vulnerable to theft. Limit the amount of personal information shared online to protect your family’s safety and privacy.
- Avoid Public Charging Stations: Public USB charging stations can pose risks of data compromise through a technique called “juice jacking.” To prevent unauthorized access to your family’s devices, use AC power outlets with your own charger or carry a portable charger. Avoid using public charging stations or USB cables that can potentially transfer malware or compromise your data. If you do need to plug in for power or to connect your phone to a rental car, consider purchasing and using a USB data Blocker (4) NOTE – important to have one for USB and USB-C charging ports
- Use a secondary phone instead: In addition to the potential risks of confiscation or compromise by authorities, and depending upon the country you are traveling through, there is a wide range of dangers associated with the loss or theft of your devices during your trip. It is generally safer to leave your regular devices at home and travel with separate devices that are exclusively used for travel purposes. This doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor, as you can purchase affordable laptops and opt for inexpensive new phones or refurbished models of higher-end devices. It is also advisable to invest in privacy screens for your new phones and laptops, as they minimize the visibility of your information to any prying eyes. If you are still going to travel to another country, think about purchasing a cheap SIM card in that country to use. For newer phones, you can also think about using an eSIM card which can save you money and help you avoid dreaded roaming charges. (5)
- Enable “Find My Phone /Device (Apple) or Find My Device (Android ADM)”: If your device gets lost or stolen, you are able to locate it. (6)(7) Also, turn on remote wipe abilities and familiarize yourself with how to do this in case you need to.
- Consider using Apple Air Tag (8) or Samsung Tracker (9): These two products can act as a digital leash for your personal belongings such as luggage, purse, laptop case, or car – you can also put them into the shoes of smaller children if going to places like Disney Land, or other very busy locations, should your child wander off. Make sure to set them up in advance of your trip and name them but don’t use your name – we use the names of the 7 dwarfs from Cinderella!
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Enable 2FA for your email accounts, social media platforms, and other sensitive accounts you may access during your travels. This security feature requires you to provide a secondary form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password. By implementing 2FA, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts, even if your password is compromised.
- Download Apps Before You Leave: To ensure the safety of your device, it is essential to download applications exclusively from reputable first-party sources and trusted repositories before you leave. For mobile devices, rely on official stores like Apple App Store or Google Play Store, while for computers, opt for Microsoft Store or Apple App Store. By adhering to these practices, you can mitigate the risks associated with unauthorized app downloads.
- Be cautious of QR codes: criminals have been known to create counterfeit ones resembling legitimate codes. These fraudulent codes are often found on posters, signs, and even menus in cafes. Scanning these deceptive QR codes can result in malware being installed on your device or redirect you to phishing websites where sensitive personal and financial information can be stolen. It is important to be vigilant and adopt preventive measures when dealing with QR codes from unfamiliar sources. Whenever possible, opt for safer alternatives to obtain the same information, and only scan codes when absolutely necessary.
- Invest In A Privacy Screen: this will prevent those who wish to shoulder surf from seeing what is on your screen in restaurants, coffee shops, or airports (10)
- Avoid Pairing Your Cellphone To A Rental Car: Pairing your personal cellphone to a rental car might seem convenient for navigation and hands-free calling, but there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind. When you pair your phone with a rental car, the car’s system can retain data such as your contacts, call history, text messages, and even app data, along with storing locations you have searched for or visited, revealing personal habits and patterns. Rental companies may not always thoroughly delete previous users’ data between rentals, meaning your personal information could be accessible to the next renter. Additionally, if a rental car’s infotainment system is compromised, it could potentially be used to access and misuse your personal data. If you must pair your phone, ensure you manually unpair and delete your device’s data from the car’s system before returning it.
- If Using A Hotel Room TV To Stream Things Like Netflix Or Games, Make Sure You Log Out. Leaving your account logged in on a hotel TV can expose your personal information, such as your watch history, preferences, and even linked payment methods, allowing subsequent guests to access and alter your profile and settings. Additionally, some streaming services permit in-app purchases or rentals, posing a risk that the next guest could make purchases on your account. Unauthorized usage can also skew your viewing history and recommendations, negatively impacting your personal streaming experience when you return home.
- Purchase Travel Insurance To Cover The Devices You Travel With: Remember, only take devices that you plan to use on your trip. For those that you do take that are of higher value, you may want to put some consideration into travel insurance depending upon the deductible.
As you embark on your summer travels, remember that a few simple precautions can go a long way in ensuring a safe and secure journey for you and your family. By implementing the cybersecurity tips outlined in this article, such as securing your devices, updating passwords, exercising caution with public Wi-Fi, and backing up data, you can significantly reduce the risk of digital threats. Additionally, being mindful of public charging stations, avoiding auto-connecting to Wi-Fi networks, and enabling features like “Find My Device” add extra layers of protection. With these strategies in place, you can focus on creating lasting memories with your loved ones, knowing that your online security is better-guarded.
If You Have To Use A Public Computer While Travelling:
It is advisable to refrain from accessing your personal accounts on devices belonging to others, including computers in public areas, hotel business centers, friends, colleagues, or fellow travelers. Publicly accessible computers may harbor keyloggers and malware that can jeopardize the confidentiality of your sensitive information.
Public computers can be convenient for quick tasks like checking train schedules or business hours. However, when it comes to logging into personal accounts, extra precautions are necessary to safeguard your sensitive information. Follow these essential tips to protect your privacy and ensure a secure online experience when using public computers.
- Use public computers for non-login activities: Using a public computer for tasks that do not require you to log into any accounts is generally safe. This includes activities like checking train schedules, browsing websites for information, or accessing public resources.
- Open an “Incognito” or “Private Viewing” window for login: If you need to log into an account on a public computer, check if there is an option to open an “Incognito” or “Private” window in the web browser. This feature helps protect your privacy by preventing the browser from storing your browsing history, cookies, or login credentials.
- Disable “stay signed in” or “remember me” options: Before entering your login credentials on a public computer, ensure that any checkboxes for “stay signed in” or “remember me” are unchecked. This prevents the browser from saving your login information, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
- Log out of your accounts: Always remember to log out of your accounts when you finish using them on a public computer. Look for a “Sign out” or “Log out” option within the application or website you’re using. This crucial step prevents others from accessing your account after you’ve finished.
- Clear browser cache, cookies, and history: After logging out, it’s important to clear the browser’s cache, cookies, and browsing history. This removes any temporary files or stored data related to your session, minimizing the chances of someone retrieving your personal information from the public computer.
- Enable two-step verification for important accounts: For added security, set up two-step verification for your critical accounts. This extra layer of protection requires you to enter a password from another device you own, such as your smartphone, whenever you log into your accounts using an unfamiliar device. Many email providers and social media apps now offer this feature.
- Avoid accessing personal financial accounts: While using a public computer, it’s best to refrain from logging into your personal financial accounts. Instead, wait until you have access to a secure connection, such as your home network, to check your financial information and perform any transactions.
- Verify site security for online transactions: If you need to enter credit card information for booking tickets or making purchases on a public computer, ensure that the website you’re using is secure. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar or “https://” at the beginning of the website URL, indicating an encrypted connection.
When using public computers, following the recommended precautions mentioned above such as using them for non-login activities, opening an “Incognito” window for logins, disabling “stay signed in” or “remember me” options, logging out of accounts, clearing browser cache, cookies, and history, and enabling two-step verification for important accounts are essential for protecting your privacy.
Now That You Are Back Home: Post-Travel Recommendations
Maintaining your personal information security is an ongoing process that continues even after your travels. Once you return home, we recommend taking the following steps to ensure the safety of your data:
- Review your credit card statement: Carefully examine your credit card statement to identify any suspicious or unauthorized charges that may have occurred during your trip. If you notice any unfamiliar transactions, promptly report them to your credit card provider.
- Change your passwords: As a precautionary measure, change all the passwords you used during your vacation. This includes passwords for your email accounts, social media platforms, online banking, and any other online services you accessed while traveling. Creating unique and strong passwords adds an extra layer of protection.
- Conduct full antivirus scans: Run comprehensive antivirus scans on all your electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This helps detect and remove any potential malware or viruses that may have been acquired during your trip. Ensure your antivirus software is up to date for optimal protection.
- Remove unnecessary applications and data: Delete any applications, files, or data that you downloaded specifically for your trip but no longer need. Uninstalling these unnecessary applications frees up storage space on your devices and reduces the risk of potential vulnerabilities associated with unused software.
Following the above-noted post-travel recommendations, such as reviewing credit card statements, changing passwords, running antivirus scans, and removing unnecessary applications and data, helps ensure the ongoing safety of your data even after your travels.
Prioritizing cybersecurity in today’s onlife world is crucial for families to protect their personal information and sensitive data during travel. By implementing the essential cybersecurity travel tips outlined in this article, you can significantly reduce the risks of both data and privacy breaches and ensure a worry-free and safer trip when it comes to your technology.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing that your family’s information is safer and more secure. Enjoy your summer break, stay safe, and happy travels!
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
Reference:
1/ https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/buy-vpn-online
2/ https://www.bitdefender.com
3/ https://www.amazon.ca/G4Free-Backpack-Shoulder-Crossbody-Lightweight/dp/B08FKW7Y6R/ref=sr_1_55
4/ https://gizmodo.com.au/2022/10/what-is-a-data-blocker-do-you-need-one-for-your-phone/
5/ https://saily.com/what-is-esim/
6/ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102648
7/ https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/android-device-manager/
8/ https://www.apple.com/ca/airtag/
9/ https://www.samsung.com/ca/support/mobile-devices/smartthings-tracker/
10/ https://www.amazon.ca/WSKEN-iPhone-14-Pro-Max/dp/B0B63PLDDX/ref=sxin_16_sbv_search_btf
