When you’re traveling, you need to take care of your online security so that you don’t fall prey to random crooks or a more serious cyber-attack.
Here’s a list of some simple and effective ways that will keep you secure on the internet and not mar your travel experiences with any online fraud.
Enjoy your next trip and focus on gathering memories instead of worrying about online security.
Always Lock Your Devices
When you’re trotting about new cities and stop for eating or shopping, make sure you don’t leave your phone, tablet or laptop unattended and unlocked. Set your devices to auto-lock and keep them secured with the longest PIN or passcode possible or a strong and complex password.
Use Two-factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication for all your online accounts, especially your banking and financial accounts. This adds an extra layer of security if your passwords are compromised. Since another code is required to authenticate a login request, your account remains secure and helps prevent malicious attacks.
If you are traveling abroad, make sure you have selected an option to receive the OTP for authentication on your email as well in addition to your mobile number. This is because you may end up using an international number for your trip and if your OTPs are delivered only to your home phone number, then you won’t be able to receive them abroad.
Use Public Wi-Fi Cautiously
Mobile data on roaming is an expensive proposition, so free public Wi-Fi at airports and in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls is always welcome. You should exercise some caution though.
Most public Wi-Fi setups don’t do security right. It’s a good idea to always use a VPN app or service. A VPN helps encrypt your data so that it’s more secure and private over a network. Using a VPN is helpful when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi because if you fall prey to an online attack and your data is intercepted, the VPN will mask your online activity and keep your information obscure and thus safe.
Disable Auto-Connect for Wi-Fi
Phones and tablets have a setting to automatically connect to Wi-Fi as and when it finds any connections. This feature is very helpful when you’re in range of your trusted connections and helps you save on mobile data.
When you are traveling, however, make sure to disable this feature so that you don’t unknowingly connect to an open but a compromised network. Manage your Wi-Fi connections manually so that you only connect to trusted network connections.
Disable Bluetooth
Just like with auto-connect for Wi-Fi, having Bluetooth switched on always may pose a threat too. Strangers can connect with your device via Bluetooth and plant malware or conduct an online attack.