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Protect Your Devices and Personal Information While Traveling This Summer

Updated: Apr 11, 2024




Summer travel season is coming up and your online activity will be on the rise and potentially in less than secure locations. Public internet connections over wifi can pose a threat no matter where you are, whether at a local coffee shop, a hotel, airport, camp site, or restaurant. 


Here are a few tips to keep your devices and your personal information safe. 


  1.  Turn off your Wi-Fi/Bluetooth - Connecting to public Wi-Fi is risky since others can potentially spy on you or plant malware on your device. Scammers can even create fake networks with authentic-sounding names in order to steal your personal data. When using public Wi-Fi, it’s best to go through a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It encrypts your connection and delivers your data anonymously, so no one can access your personal information, online activity, or location.  If you do need to use public Wi-Fi, try to avoid sharing any financial details or personal information while doing so.

  2. Secure your devices and back up your data - Never leave a laptop, tablet or phone unattended in public places.  Make sure all your devices are locked with a strong PIN or password. 

  3. Change Your Passwords - If you use the same password for all your online activity, you’re putting yourself at risk if just one of those accounts is breached. Create new and unique passwords (or use a Password Manager ) before your trip and opt for “multi factor authentication,” which means you not only need to type in your password to access, say, your banking app or website, but you’ll also need to type in a one-time code sent to your device to prove it's you.

  4. Monitor Your Credit Card Activity While Traveling - It is common for gas pumps and ATM’s to have skimming devices that steal your credit/debit card information. Check your daily charges and contact your bank immediately if you detect fraudulent activity.

  5. Beware of Public USB Chargers - Scammers load malware into the USB charging station infrastructure or in cables that they leave connected to the station. From there, they can infect your plugged-in device, and in turn lock you out of the device or steal your data. Avoid public USB chargers, and use an AC outlet instead.

  6. Keep Your Software Up To Date: Keep your device’s operating software, as well as any anti-virus software, up to date, to make sure you have the latest security patches

  7. Don’t overshare on Social Media - Be careful what you share on social media. Sharing travel photos and other travel details while you’re away could alert potential thieves that you’re away from home.

  8. Back up important documents. Consider taking photos of critical items such as your passport and credit cards with your smartphone, so that you’ve got backup copies if any of them were to be lost or stolen — and so that you’ve got easy access to the phone numbers and account numbers needed to report the loss if they go missing.

  9. Be wary of using ATMs in remote locations. Remotely placed ATMs and ones that are not connected to major banks are easier for scammers to equip with skimmers that can be used to steal your financial information. 

  10.  Set Up A Mail Hold - Mail fraud is on the rise and the contents of your mailbox is a treasure trove for identity thieves. Inside, they could find all sorts of statements, checks and other information they could use to steal your identity. Rather than worry, have the US Postal Service  hold your mail.


What to do if your identity is stolen while traveling

If you suspect that you or any family member’s financial and/or personal details have been compromised while you’re on your trip, consider taking the following steps:

  • If your credit and/or debit card is lost, stolen or compromised, contact the card issuer as soon as possible. 

  • For a lost or stolen passport, contact the nearest U.S. embassy for guidance and help with your next steps.

  • Also, you may want to consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report,  instructing lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before processing credit card or loan applications. Its purpose is to prevent identity thieves and other criminals from securing loans or opening credit accounts in your name.


Safe Travels!



 
 
 

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