The Ultimate Guide to Protecting Your Data When Travelling

In this day and age, we carry our lives, or at least most of it, around with us on smartphones, laptops, or any other device. Be it financial records, family photos, exchange emails, travel documents, the data on our devices is priceless. No matter where we might be traveling to, whether it be for work, a hot tourist spot, or an isolated area that offers just a breathtaking view, we are introducing new risks into our lives. Your data can be exposed to hackers and cybercriminals with the help of foreign networks, unfamiliar devices, and unsecured Wi-Fi.

Sorry, but risks cannot be completely avoided e.g., if you are planning on exploring the world, etc., but there are myriad ways where you can make sure that the data remains safe. The following is your all-in-one manual for guarding your data while on the road.

Keep Software Up-to-Date

The most fundamental step to safeguard your data is always to confirm that your equipment are equipped with updated software. Software implements the patches with updates, so most of the time these updates are security updates against vulnerabilities found recently. That means the operating system of your phone, laptop, apps and antivirus software.

Update everything (your apps, browser, OS, and security software) before hitting the road. Always make a habit of looking for updates during your trip, (especially, if you are using another device or working on public Wi-Fi Networks). Ensure auto-update is turned on wherever it is feasible so you do not miss vital patches on the go.

Limit Data Sharing and Permissions

If you browse while travelling, be careful how much data you are sharing with webpages, apps and online services. It is true that a lot of apps ask for permissions that are not really needed — access to your location, your contacts or your photos, etc. — which can expose your data. Provide access only when necessary, and when in doubt, deny permissions.

For example, the travel booking site asks more personal information than necessary. While booking flights or hotels, a site will probably ask for your complete address and at times even a phone number, despite these fields not being mandatory to complete a booking. Choose websites which allow reservations without working with excess information.

Likewise, with regards to online gambling many casinos ask you to verify your ID before you can eve play. Nevertheless, there are platforms that allow you to play before having your ID verified, allowing more privacy and control over your data. No verification casinos are becoming more popular in the gaming community because they are a perfect fit for online gamblers looking to protect their data. Remember wise about the time and place to share sensitive information.

Finally, some social media apps and services ask for access to your entire contact list or camera for hopefully non-essential functionality. Only give these permissions as needed, since they almost always keep more data than is necessary. When downloading any new app, check the apps privacy policy to ensure that you understand what data is collected and how it will be used. You can be better protected against sensitive data when travelling by being mindful of the data you share and utilising services that request the least amount of data.

Create Strong Passwords and Use MFA

So use good, hard to crack passwords, that is your first line of defence against unauthorised access. Banish basic passwords such as “123456” or your birthdate and go for challenging combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. If possible, manage your passwords with a password manager to create unique passwords for every service you use to limit having one password in common with a lot of different services.

MFA is an added level of security on top of a strong password. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) needs you to verify your identity using a second factor, for example, entering a code that is sent to your mobile phone or simply verification using an authentication app. Enabling 2FA is common practice for many services including banking apps and email providers up to social media accounts so please ensure your 2FA is enabled. This is an easy step that drastically lowers the risk of your accounts getting hacked if your device is lost or stolen while traveling.

Ensure Your Internet Access Is Secure With A VPN

Public Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided in cafes, hotels, or airports, are very convenient, but most of the time they are not secure. What does this mean: Cybercriminals can eavesdrop the traffic over these easy to spoof networks so that the transmission of your data is in for a risk. If you are using public Wi-Fi, the data is not protected, therefore, always use a VPN in such cases. A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, which makes it very difficult for anyone else to monitor what you get up to.

While there are plenty of good free or paid VPN services, stay away from free VPN services that jeopardize your privacy and sell your data. A reliable, paid VPN company gives you an extra layer of security and keeps your data safe from hackers or any harmful people.

Avoid Using Public USB Chargers

While charging public USB terminals located at airports, hotels, and other public spaces may feel like a positive thing when your device is in need of power, it really is not; they are unsafe. This technique, called juice jacking, can let hackers attack your device using a USB cable and steal your data or install malware on your device, without your knowledge.

So for safety, plug in your own charger directly into a wall socket. If you need to use a public charging station, at least get a portable power bank, or alternatively, invest in a USB data blocker. If you want to prevent such issues, use these little devices to charge your telephone with no data transfer, shutting out would-be hackers.

Allow Remote Wipe and Tracking Capabilities

If your device is lost or stolen while traveling, it is useful to have remote wipe and tracking for your device. Android and iOS both have features baked in for finding your device and remotely wiping it if needed.

If you have an iPhone, turn on Find My iPhone in your settings. Android users can find their device using a Google account by going to “Find My Device.” Both services let you locate the device and remotely wipe your personal info ensuring your data is safe when you don t have the phone with you.

If your device does not have jammers etc built in, you may install a third-party tracking app that offers similar services.

Exercise Caution when Using Your Devices in Public Spaces

Let alone, your devices are more vulnerable when you are travelling since they are often out in the open. Never leave your devices unattended in crowded spaces like airports, trains or cafés. Always have them in your line of sight and if the laptop or tablet can be chained/locked, chain or lock it to a fixed object.

Do not keep devices out and about, put them in your bag or hotel safe when not using it. If you are in a hotel, do not leave electronics or valuable documents laying out, and use the safe if available.

Backup Your Data Regularly

Although you just take every right measure to keep your information safe, mistakes will set in. Every traveller is at the mercy of losing a device or having it stolen. Be sure to backup important files regularly to mitigate data loss.

Utilize cloud storage services such as Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox for backups of crucial documents, images, and contacts. Otherwise, you can resort in putting files in an external hard drive, most recommended for confidential or sensitive data which you cannot be uploaded from thecloud.