Summer Travel Tips

Tips for Summer Travel 

Summer is when many of us hit the road (or air, or water!) to visit our favorite vacation spots or set out in search of new ones. But while you may be on vacation, cybercriminals are not! Travelers in airports, train stations, restaurants, and hotels are frequent prey for cybercriminals who may attempt to steal the data from your smartphone or laptop. Don’t let cybercriminals ruin your summer travel – be cyber savvy, and know the risks!

Beware of Discount Travel Websites.

If you use online travel websites to find discounts on tickets and hotels, beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Some innocent-looking discount websites are actually designed to infect your laptop or smartphone with malware and steal your personal and business data. Stay safe by using reputable online travel websites and apps that you are familiar with. Never click on email links from unfamiliar travel companies promising steep discounts, as these could be a phishing scam. Stick to reputable online travel websites to get your discounts and promotions!

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media.

While many of us enjoy sharing pictures and details of our vacation through social media, this same information can be used by cybercriminals to break into your home. Telling strangers you’re not going to be home for an extended period of time is never a good idea. Stolen valuables and electronic devices can be used to gain access to your personal or business sensitive information while you’re on vacation. Not announcing your getaway plans or oversharing on social media is one way to mitigate cybersecurity risks.

Steer Clear of Free Wireless Hotspots.

While on travel, you may be tempted to use free wireless hotspots found in hotels, airports, and restaurants. While these unencrypted hotspots may be convenient, they are not secure! Cybercriminals may be intercepting your Wi-Fi signal, allowing them to steal your passwords, banking information, and other personal data. To avoid these attacks, purchase your own portable Mi-Fi device or turn your Wi-Fi off and use your phone’s cell service instead. Finally, avoid using courtesy computers at hotels or Internet cafés for anything other than casual web surfing. They are often infected with malicious software designed to steal your private information.

Disable Apps that Track Your Location.

Most of us have apps on our smartphones and laptops that track our every move. This is a perfect way for cybercriminals to know where you are at all times if they can access your device. Turn those tracking apps off to mitigate this risk.