We’re so connected to our devices that it’s unthinkable not to take them everywhere with us – including when we go on vacation.

Whether you’re flying, driving or riding to your favorite destination, having your device helps you stay connected as well as entertained. (Plus, it can help keep the kids distracted for long periods of time.)

But that convenience can come at a risk.

There’s one thing to consider before you pack your bags and head to your designated vacation spot. Unless you have specific security software on your devices, you'll want to take the steps below to ensure you stay safe.

Cybersecurity Mistakes to Avoid on Vacation

• Automatically connecting to nearby WiFi networks – Update your smartphone’s settings so that it doesn’t automatically connect to nearby WiFi networks. By doing so, you will have more control and awareness of when your smartphone is connected to WiFi.
• Not securing travel accounts – Planning a vacation involves a lot of moving parts, including purchasing airfare, booking a hotel, renting a car, and buying tickets for tourist attractions. All these activities mean you’re setting up new accounts with companies you’ve never done business with before. Make sure you create strong passwords for these accounts and store them securely, as you likely won’t be checking these accounts often once your vacation is over. Also, try to book as many travel activities before you leave so that you can ensure you’re on a secure connection.
• Sharing plans on social media – Once you post on social media that you’re going on vacation, you’ve let loved ones, thieves and hackers know that you’re not home. Not only are you advertising that your home is potentially vacant, but a cybercriminal could hack your account. Many incidents have been reported where a post on someone’s account requested gift cards or a wire from friends and family due to being stranded in a strange place. In reality, it was a cybercriminal who hacked the account and received the funds instead.
• Not locking or securing devices when not in use – It’s easy to get distracted when you’re in an unfamiliar location. If you were to lose or misplace a device, having it locked can help prevent a security breach for however long you’re without it. Try to lock devices or secure them with a PIN or fingerprint security feature and take them with you whenever possible.

Cybersecurity Safety Tips to Follow When Traveling

While keeping devices secure while traveling may seem overwhelming, there are some steps you can take to help keep your devices and valuable information safe.

Here are a few safety tips courtesy of the National Cyber Security Alliance:

• Update device software – Before you head out, ensure that each device you bring along is updated with the most recent security features and software. Turn on “automatic updates” so that you receive the most current features that help protect you against the latest cybersecurity threats.
• Back up your data – Another tip to follow before you leave is to back up all your files, important documents and photos. We have friendly experts on hand who can help you with backing up your data if you need a little help or handling this task seems a bit overwhelming. If your device is stolen or misplaced, you’ll have one less thing to worry about, knowing your valuable information is secure. You can easily back up your data to the cloud, a hard drive or another device that you won’t be taking along with you. Confirm the hotspot at your location – If you’re utilizing the hotspot at a hotel or nearby restaurant, confirm its name with the manager or owner of the location. Hackers are known to set up Wi-Fi networks that look very real but only exist to steal users’ sensitive information. Keep in mind that even if you’re paying for the service, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s secure.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) – One of the best ways to help protect your personal data is to use a service like NordVPN. VPNs will encrypt your information, and you can hide your location from potential hackers. AOL also offers products, such as AOL Desktop Gold that has premium security features to help keep you safe when checking email and browsing the web.

Remember, you can’t stop every single risk, especially when traveling, but the more vigilant you are, the more protection you will have. By following the tips found in this article, you can help prevent cyberattacks and focus more on enjoying your time away.

Published on 06/02/2023