Cyberthreats exist everywhere, and while most of us take precautions to protect our personal information and financial data when we’re at home and at work, the cybersecurity landscape changes a little when traveling. We recommend taking extra precautions when you leave home.
Common cybersecurity risks while traveling include using public Wi-Fi networks in places like airports, hotels and coffee shops; losing devices or having them stolen; and borrowing battery chargers.
Here are four strategies for avoiding cyberscams while traveling.
1. Take precautions before you travel
Before you leave home, update all your software and apps on your laptop computer, tablet, smartphone and other devices. Ensure all security software programs, operating systems, web browsers and apps are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Set your security software to do periodic scans.
Cyberattackers look for software and operating system vulnerabilities that enable them to tap into personal and financial information stored on your devices. The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes that cyberattackers can target device vulnerabilities months or years after an update is issued, so it’s best to stay on top of these updates.
This is also a good time to review and update your passwords. If you haven’t changed your passwords on key apps and sites in a few months, set new ones, and make sure they’re strong, complex and unique. Also enable multifactor authentication (MFA). Also back up any important data and documents before you leave, either to a secure cloud service or to an external storage device.
Before you leave, notify your bank and credit-card providers that you will be traveling. If they are aware of your travel dates and destinations, they are not likely to flag account activity as suspicious or cause your transactions to be declined. Also, set up transaction alerts. This way, you will be notified about any unusual account activity that occurs while you are traveling.
Also enable any additional security features that are available. For example, Xfinity offers a free “Number Lock” feature to account holders. The service helps prevent the unauthorized transfer of your number to another device or service provider. When turned on, Number Lock helps protect you from SIM swap and port-out fraud. It also helps prevent scammers from accessing or making changes to your account details, moving your mobile number to another carrier, receiving calls and texts or accessing your personal accounts.
You also might want to consider buying a tamper-proof, RFID-blocking wallet before your trip. Thieves can steal digital credit card information via radio-frequency identification skimmers, and RFID-blocking wallets gives you an extra measure of security.
2. Protect your data while on the road (or in the air)
Once you’re on your way, disable the auto-connect feature on your devices to prevent connection to unknown networks. Also avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially while working with sensitive information.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), public Wi-Fi networks often are not secure. When using wireless networks, it’s best to send only personal information that is encrypted — either by an encrypted website or a secure network. Encryption scrambles information sent over the internet into a code so it’s not accessed by others. An encrypted website protects only the information sent to and from that site. A secure wireless network encrypts all the information sent over it.
To determine if a website is encrypted, look for “https” at the beginning of the web address (the “s” is for “secure”) and a lock icon at the top or bottom of the browser window. Some websites use encryption only on the sign-in page, but if any part of the session isn’t encrypted, the entire account could be vulnerable. Look for https and the lock icon throughout the site, not just at sign-in.
Also avoid borrowing battery chargers or charging your smartphone in a car you don’t own, such as a rental car or rideshare vehicle. The USB cable and outlet are designed not only to charge the connected device; they are also designed for two-way data transfer, which can compromise your personal information.
Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, especially for online banking or financial transactions. VPNs keep your data safe from hackers by encrypting your information.
To connect to a VPN, open your device’s settings, navigate to the “Network & Internet” section, find the VPN option, select your desired VPN connection, enter your login credentials (username and password) and click “Connect” to establish the connection. If you are using a VPN app, open the app and follow its instructions to connect.
Encryption is extremely important when traveling. Use encrypted messaging and communication tools, and, when possible, use encrypted platforms such as Signal and WhatsApp for sensitive conversations while traveling.
Signal is a free, open-source messaging app that prioritizes user privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption to secure conversations, and it’s available on Android, Apple and desktop. WhatsApp Messenger is a free app that allows users to send messages, make calls and share media. It’s available on Android, iPhone, Mac and Windows.
Encryption is built into many versions of Windows, and free encryption tools are available for other platforms available as well. If you have doubts about whether something is sensitive enough to warrant encryption, you should probably err on the side of caution, and encrypt.
Also be cautious with shared devices. Using computers in public places such as hotel business centers can put your information at risk.
3. Safeguard your financial information while traveling
Be especially vigilant to keep your financial information safe while traveling. Use mobile banking apps safely; access your accounts via official apps instead of websites when possible, and always download apps from trusted sources.
Limit your card usage while traveling, and use credit instead of debit when possible. This can minimize your fraud risk because you can typically dispute unauthorized purchases made on a credit card, but this protection is not typically available with debit cards.
4. Protect your devices from theft or loss
To protect your mobile phone in the event that you lose it or it is stolen, turn on the phone’s lock feature. It’s a good idea to do this all the time, but it’s especially important while traveling.
Also use device tracking and remote wipe tools. If you have an Android device, you can use Google’s “Find My Device” service to wipe your device remotely. Log in to the Find My Device website using your Google account, select your device and click the “Erase Device” option. If you have an Apple device, you can use iCloud.com to remotely wipe your device.
Keep all devices close to you and secure: Take only the devices you really need while traveling, and use lockable bags and cable locks to secure them. Always take your laptop and other devices with you on the plane; never put them in checked luggage. Also make sure that your name and contact information are visible on your mobile devices. In the event that an honest, helpful person finds your lost device, it will be much easier for that individual to return your device to you if it’s labeled.
Also consider buying travel insurance for your devices: Travel insurance can cover theft or loss of your devices; it will also reimburse you for unexpected events such as medical expenses, lost luggage and trip cancellations. This can be especially helpful when traveling out of the country.
Ask your financial advisor for guidance; we are here to help
Taking some extra time to put all these proactive security measures in place can prevent inconvenient and costly issues. You have enough to worry about while traveling; taking extra precautions will enable you to focus more on your trip.
If you are planning to travel, please contact us for help in setting up a cybersecurity strategy to keep you and your financial information safe. We can help you set up alerts, recommend cybersecurity services and provide guidance on financial protection while traveling, both domestically and abroad.
