Travel restrictions are easing and people are anxious to take long-awaited vacations. Our family saw this first hand as we took an out-of-state trip over Memorial Day weekend. The airports bustled with long lines and airplanes announced full flights. People had weathered the pandemic and were ready for a change of scenery!
As we all take a collective sigh of relief that the confinement of the past year and a half is ending, we also need to be reminded that vacations can quickly turn sour if cyber safety practices are not part of your travel plans.
Just in time for the summer season, The National Cyber Security Alliance is recommending Five Cyber Safety Tips for Travelers.
1. Set Up the "Find My Phone Feature On Your Device"
Before you head out on vacation, this setting will allow you to find, remotely wipe data and/or disable the device if it gets into the wrong hands.
2. If You Share Computers, Don't Share Information
Be extremely cautious on public computers in airports, hotel lobbies and internet cafes. Keep activities as generic and anonymous as possible. If you do log into accounts, such as email, always click "logout" when you are finished. Simply clicking the "x" does not log you out of accounts.
3. Get Savvy About WiFi Hotspots
Do not transmit personal information or make purchases on unsecure networks. Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) or your phone as a personal hotspot to surf more securely.
4. Protect Physical Devices
Ensure your devices are with you at all times. If you are staying in a hotel, lock them in a safe or lock them in your luggage.
Using your device at an airport or café? Don't leave it unattended with a stranger while you get up to use the restroom or order another latte. Keep your devices with you at all times.
5. Actively Manage Location Services
Location tools come in handy while planning how to navigate a new place, but they can also expose your location -- even through photos. Turn off location services when not in use.
You can download an infographic of this information at the National CyberSecurity Alliance website. Adept Solutions wishes you safe travels, including cybersecurity safety. Don't hesitate to call us for more information at 530-751-5100.