While taking a vacation in another country, exploring new cultures and scenery, or being consumed with company work while abroad, the safety of your personal data may not always be foremost on your mind. The truth is, we live in times when our cyber safety is always at risk. You may think that cyber threats like data theft, malware, and phishing scams disappear when we leave our shores, but actually it becomes more pressing.
When traveling, we may tend to rely quite a lot on networks, such as public, shared Wi-Fi networks. Also, we may have to access devices that are unfamiliar or devices we don’t fully control. The use of public Wi-Fi is almost ubiquitous, especially with roaming services from phone providers being so expensive.
It is therefore essential that, as a traveler, you know how to safeguard your data and even your device when going abroad. In today’s article, I’ll show you 5 really simple cybersecurity tips for international travelers. These will help you to protect your sensitive data, from prepping devices before you go, to using safe internet practices while traveling. So let’s get to it!
When you travel internationally, you’re exposed to a great many risks, and every traveler should prioritize their cybersecurity. As mentioned in the introduction, a major culprit is using public Wi-Fi. These unsecured public networks can be found in hotels, airports, and cafés.
These networks can be especially risky as they’re usually not encrypted. This makes it easy for a hacker to eavesdrop on your data, such as your email login credentials, social media information, and financial transactions.
Travelers are also prime targets for phishing scams. This is where a hacker, (the bad guy) tries to impersonate legitimate services, like the hotel Wi-Fi, to trick you into providing your sensitive information. Understanding these common threats helps you make smarter decisions to avoid cyber risks while traveling abroad.
2. Secure personal devices when traveling internationally
You’ve got everything for your trip, your passport, hotel and car reservations, spending money, so you’re all set right? Not quite, before you leave your home, you better lock down your devices. And I do mean all your devices, your phones, tablets, and laptops.
First, you need to update your operating system and apps. If your software is outdated, it can be vulnerable to malware and cyber threats. Enabling encryption is also recommended for data protection while traveling internationally; it scrambles your data, making it inaccessible to any unauthorized users. Most smartphones and laptops have built-in encryption options in the settings, and enabling it is generally easy.
Next, set strong passwords for all devices and consider using a password manager to securely store these passwords. When I say strong, I don’t mean using your name and adding 123 at the end of it. I mean create passwords that are complex, using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and are at least twelve characters long.
Also, create backups of important files, either on an encrypted external hard drive or by using a reputable cloud storage solution. This way, you won’t lose any data if your device is stolen or gets compromised. Now you’re all set, these pre-travel preparations are a great first step to avoiding potential data loss.
3. Use a VPN for Safe Browsing
Now that you’ve locked down your devices, make them even safer by using a reputable VPN. One of the most powerful tools for safe internet browsing while traveling is a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
A VPN works by creating a secure path for your data, encrypting your online activity, and preventing cybercriminals from accessing your information. It’s especially recommended to use a VPN when you’re on a public Wi-Fi. This is particularly useful in areas with a high risk of data theft.
Choosing a reliable VPN provider is important, sure there are some free ones like Proton VPN, but a free version may not always provide the full range of protection. You may have to invest in a paid option to get all the goodies, like Express VPN or NordVPN.
Look for VPNs with a strong reputation for security and privacy, no data logging, and a “kill switch” feature, which disconnects your internet if the VPN fails. Many VPNs offer plans specifically designed for short trips, so you can decide on a package tailored to your travel needs so you won’t have to pay too much.
4. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi Networks
With data roaming charges being what they are, using a public Wi-Fi is an attractive option for accessing the Internet when you’re traveling. While public Wi-Fi networks are indeed convenient, they’re also hotspots for cybercrime.
Hackers often set up what is known as “evil twin” networks—fake public Wi-Fi with names similar to legitimate networks (like a hotel or café). Once you’re connected to one of these fake networks, they can monitor your data, intercept logins, or install malware on your device.
If you have to use a public Wi-Fi network, avoid accessing sensitive accounts, like online bank accounts. And if you must access sensitive information, make sure and connect through a VPN, as it adds a layer of security.
Another option is not to use public Wi-Fi at all. You can use a personal hotspot, either by tethering from your smartphone or purchasing an international mobile hotspot. This ensures a direct and secure connection, making it easier to avoid cyber threats while traveling abroad.
This risk extends to in-flight Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi on planes is a great convenience for staying connected, it’s not always secure. Many airlines provide unencrypted networks, leaving your data vulnerable to interception.
If you need to use in-flight Wi-Fi, as always, try to avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as online banking or corporate email, unless you’re using a VPN. Like airline food, treat in-flight Wi-Fi cautiously and with security tools in place. This will help you avoid cyber threats while traveling abroad, even at 35,000 feet.
5. Secure Your Personal Information and Accounts
Securing your personal information and accounts goes much more than just protecting your devices and having strong passwords. Always enable multi-factor or two-factor authentication to your most private accounts, including email, banking, and even your social media.
Multi-factor authentication adds another verification step, so after you’ve entered your password, a code may be sent to your phone or to your email address, which you must then enter. This makes it harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they get a hold of your password.
These days, people want to share everything online, which may not always be a good idea when you’re traveling abroad. Be cautious about sharing your location or travel plans on social media.
Cybercriminals sometimes monitor social media to identify potential targets, and sharing too much can expose you to both physical and cyber risks. Remember, how to keep personal information safe on international trips often comes down to careful sharing and minimizing unnecessary exposure.
What to do if a device is compromised while traveling
Losing your smartphone or tablet can be stressful, and time is not your friend, the faster you address the situation, the better. Use a remote wipe feature to erase all data if your phone or tablet is stolen.
Both Apple and Android devices offer this feature, which can be accessed through your online account. Remote wipe functionality can protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized users if you’re unfortunate to have your device stolen.
It’s also a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your accounts to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary. If you do notice anything unusual, change your passwords immediately, and input a stronger one.
And have a plan in place for how to avoid cyber threats in hotels and airports abroad and respond swiftly if something goes wrong. A simple plan can prevent further issues and safeguard your data.
Quick Recap
Let’s do a quick recap, and as we’ve seen, they are really simple to implement:
- Secure Devices Before Travel: Ensure all your devices are up-to-date with the latest software and patches. Enable encryption, and set complex passwords that are difficult or impossible to guess.
- Use a VPN for Safe Browsing: A VPN encrypts your online activity, allowing you to stay secured on an unsecured public Wi-Fi.
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi Networks: If you can, try to avoid using public Wi-Fi generally, and definitely do not use them for sensitive information. A better option is to opt for personal hotspots.
- Secure Personal Information and Accounts: Enable two-factor authentication and avoid oversharing your travel details on social media.
- Know What to Do if a Device is Lost or Compromised: Use remote wipe, monitor accounts, and change your passwords as needed.
Conclusion
Securing your data while traveling internationally is not only about protecting devices, but about creating a safe online environment to minimize exposure to risks.
By following these cybersecurity tips, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind, knowing that your data is protected from prying eyes and cyber threats.
Have you encountered any cybersecurity challenges on a recent trip? Don’t be shy, let us know.
