Vacation should be a time to unwind, disconnect from work, and soak in the moment. But if you’re checking emails from an airport lounge or reviewing documents by the pool on the hotel’s wifi, you could be unknowingly exposing yourself to hackers.
Even with an “out of office” reply enabled, many business owners and employees still peek at work-related emails or hop online while traveling. While this may seem harmless, using public WiFi or unsecured devices while abroad can lead to serious cybersecurity risks. Cybercriminals love vacation season, and they’re counting on you to let your guard down.
If you or your team plan to connect while traveling, even briefly, these cybersecurity best practices can help protect your data and keep hackers at bay.
Why Cybersecurity Should Be Part of Your Travel Plans
Most people don’t think about cybersecurity when packing for a trip, but ignoring it can turn your break into a disaster. Summer is a prime hunting season for cybercriminals. People are distracted, more relaxed, and more likely to use unsecured networks. That combination creates the perfect opportunity for digital thieves.
To help you stay protected, we’ve broken it down into two stages: before you go and while you’re on the move.
Before You Leave: Lock Things Down
- Back up everything. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop, make sure you have a secure, recent backup of your data. If your device gets stolen or compromised, you’ll be glad you did.
- Set up a secondary MFA: Add your email as a second method of verification in case your phone gets lost or stolen, or you cannot connect to a cell service, especially in remote locations.
- Update your software. Install the latest updates for your operating system, apps, and browsers. Hackers often exploit outdated software with known vulnerabilities.
- Secure your devices. If your phone or laptop isn’t already protected with a password, PIN, fingerprint, or face ID, now’s the time. A lost or stolen device without a lock screen is an open book.
- Enable the “Find My Device” features. These tools let you track, lock, or remotely erase your device if it goes missing. Don’t travel without setting this up.
While You Travel: Be Smart About How You Connect
- Use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network encrypts your data and hides your online activity, especially useful when using hotel WiFi or other public networks. Install and test your VPN before leaving.
- Avoid public WiFi. It might be tempting to check your email at a café or airport lounge, but unsecured networks are prime territory for hackers. If you must connect, use a VPN.
- Control location sharing. GPS can help navigate unfamiliar cities, but it also exposes your whereabouts. Turn it off when not in use and be cautious about tagging locations in real time on social media.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication. MFA adds a critical layer of protection to your accounts. Even if someone gets your password, they’ll still need a second form of ID, like a code or fingerprint, to get in.
- Disable auto-connect features. Some devices automatically join nearby WiFi or Bluetooth networks. That convenience comes with risk. Turn off these features so you only connect to trusted sources.
Travel Smarter, Relax More
Practicing strong cybersecurity habits while traveling can save you a world of trouble. You deserve to relax without wondering if someone’s poking around your inbox or draining your bank account.
But beyond personal habits, real security comes from having professionals in your corner. A trusted IT team can monitor threats 24/7, patch vulnerabilities, and alert you to suspicious activity before it turns into something serious.
Ready to strengthen your defenses?
Click here to schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts. We’ll review your current setup, spot potential weaknesses, and help build a custom plan to keep your business secure, no matter where in the world you are.
Because staying safe while traveling shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be part of the plan.
