The holiday season is a time to reconnect. Whether you’re traveling for family dinners, road-trips with friends or just a change of scenery, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Your gadgets and data tend to get forgotten until something goes wrong. A little preparation can go a long way toward secure travel.
Secure your devices before you leave
Take a moment to make sure your devices are protected. Use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication and install any pending software updates.
Outdated software and weak credentials are among the easiest ways for a bad actor to gain access while you’re away.
Think twice about public Wi-Fi
Coffee shops, airports and hotels often tempt travelers with free Wi-Fi. But those networks can be risky. A public connection can be a hacker’s playground. Never log in to banking, work-related systems, or other sensitive services over open Wi-Fi without added protection, such as using a VPN or your mobile hotspot.
Avoid juice jacking on the go
Public USB charging stations may be convenient — and risky. Some chargers can steal data or inject malware. Travel with your own charging cable or power bank, and plug into trusted outlets.
Be mindful when you share
Posting holiday photos or travel plans is tempting. But it can signal to the wrong people that your home will be empty or expose more personal data than you mean to.
Consider waiting until you’re home to share highlights. Or at least avoid publicizing sensitive info like detailed itineraries.
Keep close watch on your devices
A lost or stolen laptop or phone isn’t just inconvenient — it can be a major security headache. Keep your devices with you in a secure bag, especially when traveling or in public spaces.
If something goes missing, report it immediately.
A little preparation will ensure your data is safe and secure while you enjoy your trip.
