The very idea of packing up and exploring a new city or country is exhilarating for countless individuals, and it’s easy to understand why. However, despite its allure, travel comes with a set of risks that may not be immediately apparent to enthusiastic adventurers.
Travelers often take precautions against physical risks like theft or loss of belongings. Yet, one aspect that often goes unnoticed before embarking on a delightful vacation is the need to protect one’s digital privacy. We will help you protect privacy, travel itinerary, and other data even when away from home.
#1 Disable auto-connect to Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are widely known to jeopardize privacy and security since they are accessible to anyone. Cybercriminals have an upper hand when they share a network with their targets. They can compromise victims by eavesdropping on their communication, stealing private data, and even infiltrating their devices to continuously harvest information. If they infect the device, they can steal data even after you disconnect from the network.
To protect yourself, it is advisable to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks, especially those without password protection. Furthermore, connecting to hotel Wi-Fi networks with easily visible passwords should be avoided, as they can be accessed by anyone, not just the guests.
#2 Use a VPN
To enhance your online security and privacy while traveling, it is advisable to utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This software program or app encrypts your internet activities, conceals your IP address, and ensures that your browsing remains private. By activating the VPN whenever you connect to the internet, regardless of your location, you can effectively safeguard your information.
With the ability to change location on your iPhone, you get other benefits as well. For example, you can unlock location-based apps or purchase tickets at a discount. Plus, you can use your apps without the risk of your account being banned for suspicious activity. This often happens with banking applications. If you want to know the secret of how to change location, then this is VeePN. It allows you to change your IP address with 2500+ VPN servers.
#3 Turn On MFA
Deploying additional security layers between your account and an attacker is a wise decision. Therefore, it is highly recommended to enable and configure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on your accounts, regardless of your travel plans.
Various types of MFA are available, so opt for the highest level of security, such as biometrics, physical security keys, or authenticator apps. It’s important to note that security questions can be a vulnerability, as they can be easily bypassed through social engineering. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using them as MFA.
Although receiving an SMS security code on your phone can be effective in most cases, it has limitations due to SIM swap scams. Therefore, it is better to choose more secure MFA options, such as the ones mentioned earlier.
#4 Use “Burner” Phones/Laptops And Online Accounts
To safeguard your data and personal information, consider using low-cost prepaid devices or dedicated devices specifically for traveling instead of carrying expensive ones like a $1,200 MacBook. By opting for a $200 Chromebook, you can still make calls, access cloud files, and browse the internet while greatly reducing the risk of compromising your privacy. It is worth noting that digital searches at borders, both in the U.S. and elsewhere, have significantly increased in recent years, granting border officials the authority to inspect electronic devices and request passwords for phones, computers, and online accounts. As a precaution, some individuals recommend creating “fake” accounts on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Dropbox using your real name before traveling. Populate these accounts with enough content to appear genuine, and present them if requested.
#5 Use a Password Manager
Many people dislike memorizing passwords, so they often end up using the same one for multiple accounts. This, unfortunately, grants potential attackers access to most, if not all, of their accounts in the event of a successful cyberattack.
The obvious solution is to have a different password for each account. However, the human brain can only remember so much, and it’s nearly impossible to recall random passkeys.
Using specialized software, like password managers, can give you an advantage, particularly when you’re traveling and your accounts are more susceptible than usual. Password managers allow you to store all your passkeys and passphrases in a secure location with access using a universal password.
Just remember that a good password without a VPN cannot guarantee security. Together with free VPN Chrome, you will be able to prevent interception and guessing of passwords. Together, these measures work best.
#6 Delete Your Rental Car Navigation History
Rental cars often come equipped with an event data recorder (EDR) within their navigation systems. Similar to black boxes on airplanes, these EDRs gather details about the vehicle’s systems, location, and driver behavior. Additionally, using a rented or built-in GPS navigation system or connecting your phone to the car’s Bluetooth system while driving can make you susceptible to tracking. To safeguard your privacy, ensure to erase any navigation history or personal profile from the rented GPS device or in-vehicle computer before returning the car.
Conclusion
For most people, having electronic devices like cell phones, tablets, or laptops is essential for a complete travel experience. However, along with the benefits, there are also drawbacks and increased risks of cyber theft and compromising personal information. This guide aims to explain the security measures you can take to ensure safe travel.
