Everyone who travels has to be aware and actively participate in their own safety and security. It’s essential when you’re in a place far from home. However, this doesn’t just mean looking after your personal safety or securing your belongings. It also means being mindful of your data security. From having your data stolen by local criminals or even leaving yourself exposed back home, here are a few tips on how to be a little more digitally savvy on your travels.
Secure All of Your Devices
When traveling, it’s essential to secure all of your devices with strong passwords, PINs, or biometric data like fingerprints or facial recognition. These security measures ensure that even if your device is lost or stolen, unauthorized users cannot easily access your personal information. For added security, consider setting your devices to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity. This simple step can protect your data from being exposed in case you accidentally leave your device unattended. Additionally, make sure that all your devices are encrypted, which protects your data by making it unreadable without the correct password or encryption key.
Turn On Device Tracking
Enabling device tracking is a crucial step in staying safe while traveling. If your device is lost or stolen, tracking features like Find My Device (Android) or Find My iPhone (iOS) allow you to locate it on a map, remotely lock it, or erase its data. These tools can be invaluable in recovering your device or at least ensuring that your personal information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. Before you travel, make sure that device tracking is turned on and that you know how to use it. Familiarizing yourself with these features can save you time and stress if something goes wrong while you’re on the road.
Know How to Hide Your IP
When traveling, especially abroad, hiding your IP address can protect your privacy and security. A VPN is the most effective tool for this purpose, as it encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location, masking your actual IP address. What’s your IP and what’s the point of protecting it? Hiding your IP, which is effectively a geographic location for your device or local network, not only prevents hackers and trackers from pinpointing your location but also allows you to bypass geographic restrictions on content. Using a VPN while traveling can protect you from snooping by cybercriminals, especially when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often less secure.
Don’t Overshare on Social Media
Oversharing on social media can be dangerous when you’re traveling. Posting about your location, travel plans, or activities in real time can alert thieves or other malicious actors to your whereabouts and make you a target. It’s advisable to be cautious about what you share online and to delay posting about your travels until after you’ve returned home. Additionally, review your privacy settings on social media platforms to ensure that your posts are only visible to people you trust. By controlling the flow of information about your travels, you can reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication with All Important Accounts
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it much harder for hackers to gain access even if they have your password. This is particularly important when traveling, as you may be accessing your accounts from unfamiliar networks or devices. MFA requires you to verify your identity using a second factor, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. Before you travel, make sure that MFA is enabled on all your important accounts, including email, banking, and social media.
Consider a Digital Detox
Sometimes the best way to stay safe while traveling is to disconnect from digital devices altogether. A digital detox involves limiting or completely abstaining from the use of electronic devices, which can not only enhance your travel experience but also reduce the risk of digital threats. By disconnecting, you eliminate the possibility of losing a device, having it stolen, or exposing your personal information online. Even if you can’t fully disconnect, consider reducing your screen time and being mindful of your digital footprint while on the road. A digital detox can help you stay safe while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your travel experience.
From having your data stolen overseas to exposing your home and belongings to those who might take advantage back home, there are risks to take seriously. Hopefully, the tips above help you do just that.
