If you travel frequently or stay in many locations each year, you must understand how to protect your information. When you are far away from home, using unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks, and traveling to new locations, it is essential that you be vigilant.
Being in an unfamiliar spot could make you at risk of data thieves and hackers. So, to assist in protecting yourself, here are some things you ought to consider before embarking on an excursion:
- Get a Local Sim Card for Internet
- Install the Folio App for digital documents
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi
- Use a VPN
- Never Enter Sensitive information (like Credit Card Numbers)
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (like Google Authentication)
- Update Antivirus and Antimalware protection
- Update Passwords After Your Trip
#1. Get a Local Sim Card for Internet
If you’re traveling to a foreign country, one of the best ways to stay connected is to get a local sim card for your phone. This will give you access to the local data network, which is oftentimes faster and more dependable and reliable than Wi-Fi.
Before you leave, make sure your phone is unlocked so you can use a local sim card. Once you’re in the country, you can purchase a prepaid sim card from a local carrier. This will give you data service for a set period of time, usually 30 days.
If you’re only going to be in the country for a short time, consider buying a temporary sim card. These cards are typically valid for 14 days and can be purchased online or at the airport.
#2. Install the Folio App for digital documents
Download and install the Folio App for your phone or tablet. This application lets you securely store your important documents such as your vaccination card, your passport, IDs like Drivers Licence, Identification cards, FOID cards, and other similar important documents. It will also let you store your credit card information in the app.
This would be helpful if you were to lose any of these things while you are going through airport security, checking in and out of hotels, while at the beach, and or possibly forgetting one of these things in your rental car if you get one.
#3. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi Connections
Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, which means that your data could be intercepted by third parties. If using public WIFI is your only way to connect to the internet, then you should only visit websites that do not require you to login (e.g. news websites).
You may be tempted to use public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access your email, social media, or bank accounts when you’re traveling. But this could put your personal information at risk.
If possible, avoid using public computers and Wi-Fi hotspots altogether. If you must use them, be sure to log out of all your accounts before you leave the computer. And never enter sensitive information (like credit card numbers) on a public computer or Wi-Fi connection.
If you DO use public WiFi, it would be strongly suggested to use a VPN, which leads us to the next tip, #4!
#4. Use a VPN
Furthermore, when you are connected to a public WIFI, connect your phone or PC to a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your data so that it can’t be intercepted by third parties.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that can help protect your online privacy. VPNs encrypt your data and route it through a secure server, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or track your activity.
There are many different VPN providers to choose from, so be sure to do your research before selecting one. Some factors you may want to consider include price, security features, and ease of use.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A credit score is a number that depicts a consumer’s creditworthiness. FICO scores range from 300 to 850.
- Factors used to calculate your credit score include repayment history, types of loans, length of credit history, debt utilization, and whether you’ve applied for new accounts.
- A credit score plays a key role in a lender’s decision to offer credit and for what terms.
- The three main U.S. credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) may each calculate your FICO score differently.
#5. Never Enter Sensitive information (like Credit Card Numbers)
If you are connected to a public WiFi, never enter sensitive information like a password for login or credit card numbers. Cybercriminals could be lurking on the network, waiting to intercept your data.
The best practice is to only enter sensitive information if you’re on a hotspot connected to your phone on a local data network.
Furthermore, be sure to check for the https:// at the beginning of the URL. This indicates that the site is using SSL, or secure sockets layer, to encrypt your data.
You should also look for a padlock icon in the address bar, which indicates that the site is secure.
#6. Use Two-Factor Authentication like Google Authentication
If you must log in to an account during your journey, be sure to enable two-factor authentication ahead of time.
Two-factor authentication (also known as 2FA) is a tool that can help keep your accounts safe. It adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code (usually sent to your phone) in addition to your password when logging in.InfoWarningTip
Google Authenticator is a free iOS and Android app that provides an extra layer of security for your Google account. When you enable it, you’ll be asked to enter a code that’s generated by the app every time you sign in. This makes it much more difficult for someone to gain access to your account, even if they have your password.
#7. Update Antivirus and Antimalware protection
Before you travel, it’s important to make sure that your antivirus and antimalware protection is up to date. This will help protect your data from being compromised by malware or viruses. Once you’ve chosen a program, be sure to download and install it before you travel.
There are many different antivirus and antimalware programs available, so do some research to find the best one for your needs – Bitdefender is a popular option.
#8. Update Passwords After Your Trip
Once you return from your trip, it’s important to update your passwords. This will help protect your data in case it was compromised while you were traveling.
Choose strong passwords that are difficult to guess, and change them regularly. It’s also a good idea to use a password manager to help keep track of your passwords.
By following these tips, you can help protect your data when you travel. Cybersecurity is an important issue, and it’s only going to become more important in the future. By taking steps to protect your data now, you can help keep yourself safe in the future.
Consider using a password management application to manage all of your passwords. I personally use 1Password and love it. It works on all of your devices and synchronizes with DropBox and other cloud technologies. You can input a password in the desktop application ahead of travel, and it is instantly available on your connected devices. They even have family plans!
NordPass is a similar tool that ZP Enterprises have not evaluated but is from a reputable technology provider for VPN as well.
#Conclusion: Staying Safe Online When You Travel
The 8 ways above should be protected your cybersecurity when you travel, but there are many other ways. Cybersecurity is a growing problem, and it’s important to stay safe online. What are some other ways you stay safe when you travel?