5 Tips For Online Security and Privacy for Travellers
When out and about, and especially when travelling, it can be really tempting to log on to public Wi-Fi networks. However, these public networks are often unprotected and so rife with potential for hacking, and data loss. Although it is not necessary for you to go completely cold-turkey from internet browsing, and email etc, it is essential that you are aware of how you can increase your online security and privacy, and what extra precautions you need to take when you are travelling.
Here are five tips for online security and privacy for when travelling:
1. Utilize the Screen Lock Feature
When travelling there are so many things to do, see and think about and so it can be easy to lose things like phones. Unfortunately tech items like tablets can also be stolen when travelling as tourist hot spots are prime locations for thieves. As a result, make sure to always lock your devices when you are not using them to ensure that your private data is kept private.
2. Public Wi-Fi is, well, Public
Remember that public Wi-Fi is usually unprotected, or at least lacking in security. Therefore, when you log on to public networks such as those in hotels, restaurants and airports you need to be extra careful about what sites you connect to. Public networks can enable hackers to easily access your data, especially if you type it into their fake site!
3. Turn off Geo-tagging and Geo-location Features
Social media apps like Facebook use ‘geo-tagging’ to show others where you are when you post things. This may seem great, but it also shows cyber criminals, and advertisers where you are, and this can put you at risk of spam, and even hacking. Turning your tagging features off requires more than just turning off your GPS, and the only real way to keep safe from such location features is by turning the phone off completely.
4. Public Computers Shouldn’t Be Trusted
Public computers can be infected with dangerous ‘spy’ soft and hardware material like malware which can put you at risk of data loss. This has happened before, and can happen at any time. Therefore, if you choose to use a public computer make sure that you do not access risky sites, or sites that will ask you for secure information such as bank websites.
5. Add a Layer of Protection with a VPN
Using a VPN adds and extra layer of protection, and can be a great way to prevent your private information from becoming publicly accessible. VPN’s are used by many businesses to enable their employees to safely continue their work when at home or travelling. VPN’s keep your identity and information secret.
