As you embark on your journeys, this guide will be your trusted companion in navigating the digital landscape while ensuring your online safety. This guide gives you practical tips to help you protect your personal and sensitive information while enjoying your travels to the fullest.
Before & During Your Trip
Protect Your Identity |
Protect Your Devices |
Protect Your Data & Device Traffic |
Consider placing a credit freeze on all your credit score accounts. | When carrying electronic devices: | Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS when possible to prevent your devices from being attacked and you from being tracked. (Yes, this happens.) |
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Secure your online identity to prevent impersonation and unauthorized access to important accounts like Social Security, Post Ofïfce, IRS, and banking. |
For privacy:
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Use a VPN for encryption, especially on public networks abroad.
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Enable MFA for online accounts and set up a PIN and encryption on your phone to prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft.
Use credit cards, not debit cards, for safer transactions abroad. Credit cards have a $50 liability limit, unlike debit cards. Please remember that your Credit Card PIT is often required internationally.
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Avoid transporting electronic devices in checked baggage.
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Be cautious with public computers, especially abroad; assume your data may be captured. When sharing research, consider diverse legal and professional standards for intellectual property among your audience. |
When You Return
Reset |
Scan |
Monitor |
Change all passwords you used on your trip. | Run a full Anti-Virus scan of your computer. |
Consider monitoring all the credit cards you used and accounts you accessed while traveling. |
Traveling to China or Russia
Access |
Surveillance |
Insecurity |
Be aware that access to many sites such as Gmail, Google apps, Wikipedia, and Yahoo Web Mail may be blocked or filtered. | Connections are never secure and may be monitored by the government. |
VPN users in these countries face prolonged connection issues, resorting to unsafe networks. Hotel staff and officials have access to rooms and safes; always keep your devices with you. |
Conclusion
A Traveler's Guide to Cybersecurity equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital realm securely while on your adventures. Following the tips and precautions outlined in this guide, you can safeguard your online identity, protect your personal information, and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Cybersecurity is essential to modern travel, and being proactive is the key to a worry-free journey. Safe travels!
Click here to download the Traveler's Cybersecurity Guide.