So, you’ve purchased your plane tickets and packed your bags, and you’re ready to go on the trip of a lifetime. Well done! Before you go, there’s one more thing you should do to ensure your trip is as safe and pleasant as possible: conduct a cybersecurity check.
1. Do you use a virtual private network (VPN) to access the internet?
It’s simple to surf the web safely at home, but you have no option but to use public networks or networks that you don’t own or control when you’re away. Anything you do on those networks is susceptible to being monitored—and your data may be intercepted and stolen.
This is why a virtual private network (VPN) is essential for travelling. It secures your information on all of the networks you connect to, making it impossible for prying eyes to see what you’re doing online. But it’s more than just a security precaution: you may also use it to get around geo-blocks and censorship, which could be useful if you want to keep up with your favourite shows but they’re unavailable where you’re travelling.
Make sure you don’t connect to any Wi-Fi networks without your VPN activated! We highly recommend that you get Surfshark for safe browsing.
2. Have you disabled Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a great way to link your devices together, but it may also be exploited by hackers to access your device without your knowledge, even if you use a VPN. There’s no need to leave it on while you’re away from home, so just switch it off before leaving and only turn it back on if necessary.
3. Do you have antivirus software installed?
Every device you bring with you should have the most up-to-date and effective antivirus software to ensure that no malware may access your data and ruin your holiday. However, merely having a superb antivirus isn’t enough; you must also keep it up to date with the most recent programs.
4. Have you made sure that all of your applications are up to date?
It’s no secret that outdated software exposes your devices to hackers and malware. Out-of-date software is one of the most frequent types of attack vectors in contemporary malware, so even if you’re not going anywhere, you should still update your program as soon as new updates become available.
5. Do you have anti-theft protection on your phone?
Pickpocketing is a serious problem in most large cities, which can be deadly if you’re abroad and reliant on your phone for survival. Some common sense can go a long way toward minimizing the danger of theft (keep it in your front pocket, don’t leave your bag unattended, etc.).
Another tip: Keep your eyes open for actual swindles!
Tourists are a favourite target of fraudsters: when you’re wide-eyed and discovering a new place for the first time, it’s easier to get ripped off by devious scammers who seek to take advantage of your trust or divided attention.
Leave a Reply