Whether you’re a regular business traveler or someone who’s always looking for a high-tech adventure, traveling, especially abroad, poses unique cybersecurity threats. Business travelers are especially vulnerable as…
Whether you’re a regular business traveler or someone who’s always looking for a high-tech adventure, traveling, especially abroad, poses unique cybersecurity threats. Business travelers are especially vulnerable as they often carry sensitive personal and business data across a variety of devices, including smartphones, notebooks and tablets.
Don’t cancel your travel plans just yet. Here are eight cybersecurity tips for business travelers that are also great for anyone planning a trip abroad:
1. Block devices
Most smartphones, notebooks and tablets come with security settings that will allow you to lock the device using a PIN number or fingerprint unlock. Do this on all available devices. When traveling, change the PIN numbers you use regularly.
In the event that any of your devices have been momentarily forgotten, this will be the first line of defense against a security breach.
2. Be careful on public Wi-Fi
The laws and regulations governing cybersecurity in other countries will typically not be the same as the laws in the United States. Access to free Wi-Fi can be very attractive to business and leisure travelers, but it is also particularly vulnerable to security issues. Avoid unencrypted Wi-Fi networks. Ask the hotel about security protocol before connecting to the Web. Be extra careful when using Internet cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots. If you must use them, avoid accessing personal accounts or confidential data when connecting to this network.
3. Disable automatic connection
Most phones have a setting that allows a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks when passing through them in everyday activities. While this feature is great when used at home, it is not something that should be allowed when traveling abroad. Before traveling, change these settings so that your smartphone and notebook need to be connected manually every time you want to access the Internet.
4. Minimize location sharing
It’s very common for travelers to update social networking sites as they move around new places. The problem with this type of oversharing is that it creates a security threat at home. By signaling your location to everyone, you make it easier for a criminal to determine that you are not in your hotel room or home, leaving your personal belongings in these areas vulnerable to physical intrusion. Limit the information you post online about your specific location to limit these threats to your personal property.
5. Install antivirus protection
This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your personal information, as well as company information, protected when traveling. In addition to using a trusted brand of security, be sure to regularly update this software as new versions become available.
6. Update operating systems
As with antivirus software, you’ll want to keep your operating system as current as possible . This should also be done for phone apps . Take special care to update apps that you regularly use to conduct financial or personal business.
7. Update passwords
If you plan to travel, change any passwords you use regularly. Similarly, if you need to create a PIN for a hotel room safe, make sure that PIN is unique and not something you normally use. Don’t skimp on password security criteria either. A numerical sequence is not ideal. Take time creating something that will keep a criminal away from your personal property. After you return home, you can return all passwords to the way they were before.
8. Disable Bluetooth Connectivity
As with the phone’s automatic Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity can have issues. Bluetooth signals can come from anywhere. If Bluetooth is left on, neighborhood criminals can connect to the phone and possibly hack the device. Keep Bluetooth turned off as much as possible when traveling abroad.
In addition to implementing these eight cybersecurity tips for travelers, you’ll also need to check the laws and regulations governing cybersecurity in each country you plan to visit. By remaining vigilant during business travel, you can greatly reduce your risk of experiencing a cyber threat.
