How could anyone travel nowadays without their mobile devices? You’d probably find at least a smartphone, power bank and portable storage on a traveller’s hand carry.
Depending on the nature of travel, we might be able to find more devices like a tablet or a laptop if we dig deeper. I now have to think about extra plugs, universal adaptors, and how to pack all the wires that go with my devices every time I set off to a new destination abroad. It’s not even a question to do that anymore.
What good are these devices, though, if you cannot stay connected to the internet? A couple of decades ago, portable data may have been a wanderlust’s dream, but today, it’s synonymous with necessity. More than staying connected through messaging systems, or uploading pictures on the web, having data connectivity while travelling has been a lifesaver for many, like finding your way around countries you’ve never been to before, to translating languages as you go, and keeping your cash transactions cashless and more secure. But “cybersecurity experts generally agree that about 20 per cent of travelers are subject to cyber targeting when abroad. All agree that travel puts you at an additional information security risk.”
So, what do you do to protect your phone and your data when you’re abroad? Aside from physical loss or damage of your device, your data’s security can be compromised even as you travel. Here are some tips every traveller must be cautious about before they trot the globe.
General Tips to Secure Your Data While Traveling:
Turn on “Find My Phone”
For iPhone users, you will find this feature on your Settings. At the top of the Settings list, click on your name, then click iCloud, and look for “Find My iPhone” to check if it’s activated. Activate “Send Last Location” to automatically send the phone’s location to iCloud any time that the iPhone’s battery is critically low.
For Android users, enable “Find My Device” in the device Settings under Security & Location. You can check that it’s working by visiting the Find Your Phone page in your Google Account.
Check with Your Carrier or Network Provider
Ask your network provider what services they offer in case you lose your phone while travelling, or your data gets hacked. Ask for steps you need to take in situations like these so they can suspend services on your phone right away and prevent further breach of your personal information or use up your phone’s data connection on your account. Contact your bank as well and ask the security protocol you need to follow so they can suspend any transaction made through your device the moment it gets lost, damaged, or breached.
Phone Insurance
With all the activities we have attached to our smartphones and devices these days, the actual cost of a phone will the least of your problems in case your phone gets lost or your data gets attacked. You and your phone work like access points to any server system or network you might be using, especially if you are an employee of a company or part of a business’ network. Through your hacked device or data, cybercriminals can find entry points to the different networks you are a part of and, for instance, inject malware or perform dreaded data breaches. It’s not a luxury anymore to secure phone insurance if you are a frequent flyer. You not only get a replacement phone in case of loss and damage, but you can also arrange to have a replacement anywhere you are in the world or reimburse the cost of repairs or replacement. This way, you avoid getting digitally “stranded” or locked out of your accounts the moment you get a new phone and go through the authentication process needed to reestablish your control over them.
Travel Light—Data Light
Practice travelling data-light even regularly. Back up data unto portable storage devices like flash drives or memory cards (preferred by most backpackers and light travellers), or better yet, the cloud. Ensure your data’s secure journey to the cloud using the latest security software like Trend Micro, AVG, Avast, and the like. Using services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and the like will pay off greatly in case you lose important data on your devices for whatever reason. Make use of your phone manufacture’s cloud services as well, as they come as a free service with your purchased device.
Unbeatable Passwords
You may also get security software specifically for mobile users, like Bitdefender’s Mobile Security android devices or Trend Micro Mobile Security for Android/iOS. Security software regularly scans for threats like malware and includes security features like a lock-and-wipe in case you lose your device. Routinely update your security software to keep them in tip-top shape protecting your device.
Tread Carefully Online
WiFi networks in airports, hotels, and cafés are playgrounds for cybercriminals. Use public WiFi sparingly. If you need to use public WiFi, stick to encrypted networks that require a username and password, specifically those with WPA2 or WPA encryption. These are more secure than older WEP-encrypted networks. Check these options on your device when choosing a network to connect to. You may check out this video to know why WPA is the safer choice in encrypted networks.
Video by Professor Messer © 2011
Some smartphones allow users to create password-protected, private mobile hotspots. Avoid using auto-generated passwords if you use this feature. Instead, create strong alphanumeric passwords with unique characters and different capitalization for greater security.
Watch Device Settings
Turn on your WiFi connections as need only to prevent automatic connections to WiFi networks. Switch off Bluetooth connections since they are easy-to-access points for cyberattackers as well. Turn your device on “aeroplane mode” if you don’t need to connect or receive messages, before crossing borders, or before entering confidential meetings to prevent tech-savvy hackers from spoofing cell phone towers, enabling them to invade your device and use the microphone feature to listen in on conversations.Stay Vigilant for Your Good
Common sense is critical in keeping yourself safe, and that includes your cyber protection. Be careful and discreet in entering passwords or opening emails or your social media accounts. Stay alert in public places where device theft and data theft are rampant. Be aware of your environment when using your phone in public places. If you don’t need your device while you’re out, lock it in the safe when leaving your hotel room. If you don’t need your device while walking or doing outdoor activities, keep it safe inside your bag. If you need to check your location through a map or hail a cab, do so in a secure environment. For example, book your taxi before leaving your table at the restaurant, and only come out when the driver informs you he is a minute away, especially if you are in a foreign country. You may not be aware entirely of that country’s security and crime rate, so better be careful. These measures can go a long way toward keeping you and your data safe.Protect Your Data With a VPN
According to Softvire, “its users can securely access a computer anywhere in the world via the internet. Because of secure VPN, an employee, for example, who works remotely, can still connect to the corporate network through a VPN.”
Travellers are more susceptible to malicious attacks and identity theft because they are always on the move and usually have to connect to available WiFi networks. But not all networks are protected. Networks that do not require passwords give hackers an easier time to intercept their victim’s data and invade their device. Some open networks may even be traps set up by hackers to snare unsuspecting travellers.
A high-quality VPN encrypts your traffic so that cyber attackers in the same network won’t be able to get your information or detect your presence. VPN’s also allow you to enjoy the websites and streaming services you are already using even in other countries as it can change your IP address and prevent geo-blocking of these sites. Some VPNs allow multiple downloads for simultaneous use on multiple devices.
Data Protection Checklist:
- Turn off all electronic devices before crossing borders.
- Set-up a password for your devices, including guest accounts.
- Delete your browser cache data.
- Encrypt your data.
- Minimize social media/email exposure and protect all accounts. Change your password temporarily before and after you travel.
- For Mac Users:
- Set a passcode for your iPhone, and turn off TouchID.
- Lock your important notes.
- Create a new iCloud account that's only for travelling.
- Create a "clean" user account on your laptop, via System Preferences > Users & Groups.
- Create an alternative iPhone setup.
- For Android Users:
- Create a new Google account used only for travelling.
- Get a burner phone.
- For Windows-Users:
- Use Windows to Go.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Ruined or Stolen Data Ruin Your Story
We travel because we are collecting memories, making moments that make up this life we all have to live. Don’t let mishaps such as stolen devices, overcharges on your data, and worse, data breach, to ruin the story of your travels. Be a wise traveller in all aspects, not just with booking the nest hotel or mapping out the most awesome itinerary. When you are on a business trip, don’t forget that you bring your “office” with you and your unprotected device or careless use of networks overseas can be potential entry for threats to your company’s system. Be aware of the latest cybersecurity trends and threats to stay vigilant with your cyber protection, whether you’re back home or on the go. The importance of being protected while on trips cannot be stressed enough, so make sure that you don’t let your data wander when you go on a wanderlust or your cybersecurity waif when you need it the most. It’s a digital world we live in, and threats know no distance here, so should your protection.
