5 cybersecurity travel tips for digital nomads, remote workers and business travellers
With cybercrime and identity theft on the rise, and expecting to double in the next few years, we wanted to get some useful advice out there to help protect the community from the pains of loss during extended travel.
So here are our top travel security tips for business travellers and digital nomads to safeguard themselves from cyber threats while on the move:
1.Use Secure Connections (not your favourite café’s free public WiFi!):
It’s a good digital hygiene practice to avoid connecting to any public Wi-Fi networks – that goes for hotels, cafés, buses, trains, any of them!
If it’s absolutely necessary (i.e., you don’t have any phone reception), at least use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet connection, ensuring some privacy and security, even on unsecured networks. Consider tethering to your mobile phone’s data or portable Wi-Fi hotspots for added security.
2. Implement Security Measures on your Device:
It goes without saying (even though many probably ignore it), ensure all of your devices (laptops, smartphones, tablets) have updated security software, including firewalls, antivirus, and anti-malware programs. You can do this by regularly turning your computer off (where it actually installs all the updates) and opening the software updates section of your phone’s settings area.
Enable device encryption and use strong, non-public (i.e., not your date of birth or phone number) unique passwords for each account.
Definitely enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) so that even if your login details get comprised in a data breach (it happens more regularly than you might realise!), you’ll have an added layer of security to give you space to change all passwords and logon credentials.
Lastly, turn your Bluetooth off when you’re not using it. Cybercriminals can access some phones through a tactic called ‘BlueSnarfing’ whereby hackers can access pictures, emails and other sensitive data through a Bluetooth connection. Crowded places such as train stations and bars are known hotspots for this threat.
3. Be Mindful of Data Access:
Minimise the amount of sensitive data stored on devices. You’ll want to be most productive whilst away travelling, however do also think about what would happen if your laptop got stolen, or you dropped your phone down a drain – it probably won’t be coming back so you’ll need to reset it remotely.
Utilise cloud storage with strong encryption for storing critical information and avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public devices or untrusted computers. Regularly back up data and consider using remote wipe capabilities in case a device is lost or stolen.
4. Stay Vigilant Against Phishing:
This is a big one, so be sure to take notice! Be highly cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or links, especially when you’re traveling.
Cybercriminals often use phishing techniques to trick users into revealing sensitive information. Avoid clicking on unknown links or providing personal information unless you're certain of the source's legitimacy. As a rule of thumb, avoid clicking any links in emails, especially when tired, as that’s when mistakes are most likely to happen.
5. Practice Physical Security:
Keep devices physically secure at all times and don’t leave them unattended in public places. In one city I’ve been in, I saw 3 mobile phone thefts in the space of a month!
Lastly, use locks or secure bags for laptops and other devices, especially in public places.
By simply doing a few basic things, business travellers and digital nomads can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime while working remotely and on the go.
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