Traveling is fun, exciting, educational, but it might also be dangerous. In order to avoid trouble when you are exploring the world, you’ll have to use a variety of security measures. You have to remember that nowadays keeping safe means to not only protect your possessions. Protecting your data is as important and using these digital security tips will allow you to do this. Note that some of these tricks will keep you safe not only when you are abroad but also when using public networks in your own country.Four tips for keeping your digital and bank information safe when you travel.Take a look at my top digital security tips for travelers.
4 Digital Security Tips Every Traveler Needs to Know
1. Pay in cash whenever possible
While this tip won’t directly protect you during your use of the Web, it can save you a lot of money by keeping you safe from digital frauds and hackers. The problem is that the number of point-of-sale systems infected with malware is extremely high, especially in public places, like shops, hotels, and restaurants. There has recently been a move to switch to EMV secure payment systems. However, their adoption rate is slow in the US, and many foreign countries haven’t even started using these chip-and-pin terminals.
Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from your credit card info being stolen is to limit your use of POS terminals. This means that paying cash remains the best thing to do while traveling.
2. Always use VPN with public WiFi
Public WiFi is never completely safe. If you don’t protect your data when using it, you leave yourself open to hacks or surveillance. Using a VPN is the most important of digital security tips for travelers as this simple thing will encode all your traffic.
This means that you’ll be able to keep your privacy as well as get a few extra perks if you use the right app. SwitchVPN for example will not only offer the basic encoding and reroute your traffic through a Virtual Private Network. It also allows you the option of accessing Geo-restricted content. For a traveler this means that you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite local programs while abroad.
3. Install extra security software (and hardware)
The majority of digital security tips for travelers revolve around encrypting your data to protect yourself from hackers. However, you should never forget that many thieves don’t go the digital route. Instead, they steal or tamper with your laptops/smartphones/tablets, which might result in cases like this.
The point is, the physical security of your devices is as important as digital. This means you should never leave your gadgets out of sight unless they are locked in a safe. For a laptop, use a specialized cable lock.
Don’t discard digital security as well. You need to ensure that in case perpetrators get to your gadget, they aren’t able to access it for tampering. This means installing security and authorization programs and using good passwords.
Anti-theft solutions are also a must and you’ll need to backup all the important data just in case. If bad comes to worst, make sure you can wipe your devices remotely.
4. Make your social media accounts private and disable Geo-tagging
GPS is a great help for not getting lost in your travels. However, far too many people also use Geo-location services to brag about their adventures to the world at large. This might make you feel good about yourself, but it also puts you at risk of facing tech-savvy criminals that can use this info to track where you are. Note that they will also know exactly where you aren’t, so home burglaries while you are on vacation are very likely.
To avoid these problems, switch off that Geo-tagging when sharing photos of your great adventures on social media. It will also be best to keep your account or at least personal posts like this private. Monitor your friend list very carefully and don’t share any personal info with people you don’t trust.
