Traveling for the Holiday? Don’t Leave Home Without These Cybersecurity Tips!

 
 

Keys? Check. Phone? Double-check. Defenses against cybersecurity risks while you are traveling during the holiday season? Let’s triple-check our cybersecurity tips to ensure you stay safe during your travels!

  • Always Bring a Portable Charger: Avoid using a public charging station, which may leave your device vulnerable to malware attacks. Bring a portable charger or two instead. 

  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network): Have a Virtual Private Network ready if you must connect to any public Wi-Fi. It also helps to turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections and keep an eye on your Bluetooth connections to ensure there aren’t any unfamiliar devices connected to yours.

  • Keep It Updated: Update your devices and software in advance with the latest security patches. Back up your data with an external storage device or secure cloud storage in case of loss or theft. Additionally, have an anti-virus or anti-malware software installed on your devices.

  • Set Up Two-Factor Authentication(2FA): Enable two-factor(2FA) or multi-factor authentication(MFA) for your accounts. Having 2FA or MFA active helps to prevent unauthorized access, especially if someone were to acquire your login credentials. Speaking of credentials, use strong, unique passwords. Don’t use a birthday or let it end in a “1!”. If it’s easy for you to remember, it’s easy for hackers to crack. Consider using a password manager. 

  • Don’t Fall For Phishing Attempts: As technology progresses at the speed of light, so do phishing attempts. It’s essential to educate yourself on what to look for. Common ones include text and email. Emails will appear from a reputable source and contain links to fake sites designed to steal your information. Don’t click on links willy-nilly! Verify the legitimacy through outside means, like contacting the institution directly.

Especially during the holidays, cyber crimes are increasingly common and rife with attempts to steal personal and financial data. Follow these essential tips, and you’ll significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a cyber threat while on the road. Safe travels!

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