As more and more news of scams and breaches spread across the headlines these days, it’s important to re-evaluate your own personal security. Below are several tips to make sure you keep your personal information out of the hands of strangers while on-the-go.
While traveling, our personal information is at its most vulnerable point. Make sure that any area on the device that stores Personal Health Information is encrypted and you can remote in to log off from any location in the event you lose the device. If you don’t need your work phone or laptop, then don’t bring it. More devices are stolen on vacation and during travel than if they were left at home.
Use your own power adapters and cords. It’s never safe to charge your devices using anything other than your own power adapter. Cyber thieves may install malware onto hotel lamps, airport kiosks, and other public USB charging stations. If you need to charge your devices on the road, and you don’t have access to your own charger or adaptor, power the device down before you connect it to any public USB charging station.
Another step of ensuring your files and personal information is secure is by backing up your data with another device (such as an external hard drive). Before you leave, change your passwords while you travel and add another level of authentication if possible. This will make it even harder for hackers to access your personal information. Don’t skimp on password creation either a numerical sequence is not ideal. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a paraphrase a combination of words that are easy to remember. Once you’re home, change your passwords again, switching things up will make it harder for hackers to recognize a pattern.
Be sure to lock your devices! Most smartphones, laptops, and tablets come equipped with security settings that will enable you to lock the device using a PIN or fingerprint ID. In the event you misplace or lose a device, this will be the first line of defense against a stranger stealing your information. Make sure you create unique PINS for all of your devices as well. Don’t use the same PIN for the hotel safe as your mobile device, especially ones you’re storing in the safe!
Turn off your WiFi’s Auto-Connect and Bluetooth, and only manually connect when it’s safe to do so. If left on, cyber thieves can connect to your device in a number of different and easy ways. This includes if you’re connected to public WiFi networks. Using your mobile network (like 4G or LTE) is generally more secure than using a public wireless network. Do not conduct sensitive activities, such as online shopping, banking, using a public wireless network. Always log into your networks through VPN (Virtual Private Network), and only use sites that begin with “https://” when performing sensitive activities online. The ‘S’ means the site will be secure.
Lastly, ensure physical security of your devices! Never let your devices leave your sight. If you cannot physically lock devices in your hotel room safe, or another secure place, take them with you. Many breaches occur because a device was left unattended. It’s never safe to pack your devices in checked luggage either! While traveling with laptops and tablets, the best protection is to carry them with you.
