Traveling is an enriching experience, but it can expose you to digital risks if you don’t take the proper precautions. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, protecting your personal and corporate information should be as important as carrying your passport.
As you embark on your next adventure, keeping your devices secure will also spare you the worry of cybercriminal intrusions. How can you do that? This cybersecurity checklist with best practices to apply before, during, and after your trip.
Ready, set, check!
One step to add to your travel routine is a quick cybersecurity checklist before boarding your flight. From the moment you leave home until you reach your destination, you’ll pass through countless places with public Wi-Fi networks crowded with people. Doesn’t it sound like a good idea to protect your personal information?
1. Back Up Your Data
Before traveling, the first thing you should do is back up your data. This is where cloud security becomes a key ally: not only does it safeguard your data online, but it also helps you maintain control even if you lose physical access to your devices.
If your device is lost or stolen, you’ll still have access to important files and photos. Use services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to store your files in the cloud.
2. Review Your Settings
Check the privacy and security settings of your apps and web services. Set limits on how and with whom you share information. You may want to disable certain features, like location tracking, while away from home.
3. Update Your Software
Devices running outdated software are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Updates often include critical security patches to protect against the latest threats. If you’re going on a long trip or tend to forget things, turn on automatic updates so your software stays up to date.
Also, make sure you have antivirus software installed and active, and review app permissions to limit access to sensitive information. Strengthening your first line of defense is the first step toward full security.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
It’s common to reuse the same password for multiple accounts and apps, simply to remember them all. But this is not safe. Weak or reused passwords make it easier for hackers to gain access.
To prevent this, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an added layer of protection. According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, using 2FA can prevent up to 80% of unauthorized access attempts. That means 80% more security for your devices. (1)
5. Turn Off Bluetooth and Location Sharing When Not in Use
We’re used to keeping our device functions turned on all the time, but we should get in the habit of disabling them when not needed. Why? Because some features, like Bluetooth and real-time location, can be exploited by hackers to access your devices.
To prevent this, only activate them when necessary. Also, use “stealth mode” settings to avoid automatic connections.
6. Use Secure Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, and cafés may be convenient, but they’re often not secure. If you need to connect, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your online activity private and protected.
Also, avoid conducting sensitive tasks like online shopping or banking that involve entering card numbers or personal passwords. If it can wait, it’s best to wait.
7. Take Advantage of Tokenization
Few things are worse than discovering your credit card number was stolen while on vacation. A compromised card will be canceled immediately, potentially leaving you without a payment method during your well-deserved break.
What can you do? Consider using apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay instead of your credit card. These services don’t transmit your card number when you pay—they use a randomly generated token instead. This information is useless to hackers who might intercept it.
Traveling to High Cyber-Risk Countries
Some countries—such as China, Israel, and Russia—have restrictions on the import and use of encryption tools. When traveling to destinations with a riskier digital landscape, cloud security services become an essential tool to reduce exposure and retain control over your data. Here’s how they can help: (2)
1. Secure Remote Access from the Cloud
Instead of carrying sensitive information on your devices, you can store it in cloud services with restricted access. This way, you can access your data only when it’s safe and in secure environments.
2. Centralized Data Management
Cloud services allow you to remotely delete files if a device is lost, stolen, or tampered with. You can also temporarily restrict access to certain documents based on geographic location.
3. Built-in Cloud Encryption
Even if you’re not allowed to use encryption software on your device, many cloud storage platforms already encrypt your data in transit and at rest. This adds a layer of security without relying on local tools that may be banned.
4. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Enterprise cloud security services often include access control systems, multifactor authentication, and alerts for suspicious logins from unusual locations.
5. Cloud-Based VPN or Zero Trust Access
Some cloud security solutions offer cloud-based VPNs or Zero Trust architectures that can replace traditional VPNs—helpful if regular VPNs are blocked in the country you’re visiting.
6. Temporary Virtual Environments
With tools like cloud-based virtual desktops or sandbox environments, you can work without leaving traces on your physical device, minimizing the risk of surveillance or local tampering.
Secure Devices, Peaceful Vacation
Hackers love tourists—when we’re distracted and immersed in new experiences, we’re especially vulnerable to clever criminals who take advantage of our lack of cybersecurity awareness.
Thankfully, this can be avoided. A little research, attention, and the right device settings are often enough to steer clear of most problems. Every place has its common scams, but it’s easy to find out what to watch out for before you travel. Now you’re ready—enjoy your trip!
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(1) Cybersecurity Ventures. Ciberseguridad en viaje: Cómo proteger tus datos personales
(2) Exploring High Risk Countries in Cybersecurity: Tips for International Travel
