The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and the itch to book flights and plan road trips is getting stronger. Whether you’re going off to a beach in Florida, backpacking through South America, or taking a long weekend getaway, it is crucial to keep cybersecurity in mind. Hackers and scammers do not go on vacation, and they are always looking for ways to take advantage of you when you are the most distracted.
Between lost devices to scam booking sites, there’s plenty that can go wrong if you are not careful. The last thing you want is to get locked out of your bank account while sipping cocktails (or mocktails) on the beach.
Let’s talk about how you can travel with ease:
1. Secure your Devices like You Secure Your Passport
Most touristy destinations have a high rate of pickpocketing. Losing your phone or laptop while traveling can be stressful, but if someone gets access to your personal data, it is a whole new level of disaster. Here are some things to do before you go:
• Enable biometric logins (fingerprint or face recognition)
• Set up remote swipe features (Find my Phone or Google’s Find My Device)
• Use a strong and unique password so guessing it will not be an option. This should be an everyday life practice, not just when you are traveling.
2. Watch out for Juice Jacking at Airports and Public Charging Stations
Plugging your phone into a public charging station can expose your device to juice jacking, where hackers install malware or steal your personal data through compromised USB ports. Instead, always carry your own charger or portable power bank.
3. Be Skeptical of the Stranger Asking to Use Your Phone
There are endless travel scams but one that is super clever and subtle is a stranger asking you to use your phone for an emergency. They can quickly access your bank apps, social media, or even installing malware before handing it back. If you feel compelled to help, dial the number yourself and put it on speakerphone.
4. Don’t Be so Thrilled When You See Free Wi-Fi
We know that sometimes you do not have much of a choice but to use public Wi-Fi. In that case, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your data. No VPN? Stick to mobile data or create a hotspot from your phone.
5. 90 percent off flights?
We all love a good discount, especially for travel related things, but if a flight or hotel deal looks way too good, take a step back and evaluate with a critical eye. Scammers create fake booking sites and phishing emails that mimic real travel companies to steal credit card info. Book through official websites and double check URLs for weird misspellings before entering your payment details. Keep an eye out for Reservation Scams.
Many stresses are associated with traveling, from forgotten passports, and delayed flights, but scams should not be one of them. As travel season starts, take some time to learn how to protect yourself.