Enjoying Summer Safely: Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Travelers
Summer is a prime time for business owners and employees to escape the office for a well-deserved vacation. Even with "out of office" email responders activated, many still check in on work occasionally while traveling. Unfortunately, whether it's a quick email check, connecting to the Internet at a local café, or managing business tasks while on a trip, working outside the office can lead to significant cybersecurity risks. If you or your team plan to handle work matters from an airport or access network documents in a hotel lobby, adhering to strong cybersecurity practices is crucial to protect your company's network from nearby hackers.
In this blog post, we'll delve into essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to keep your network secure.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
Cybersecurity might not top your vacation checklist, but overlooking it can turn a dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know that summer is a prime time to strike because people tend to lower their guard while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time away from the office rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are some best practices to share with your team.
Before You Go:
1. Back Up Your Data: Ensure you have copies of your data that can be restored if your device is lost or damaged.
2. Update Your Software: Make sure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device's defenses against malware.
3. Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device with a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Set this up before traveling to prevent unauthorized access if your device is left unattended.
4. Enable "Find My Phone": This feature helps you locate your device if lost and allows you to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.
While Traveling:
1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data remains secure even on public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
2. Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi networks are convenient but can be hotspots for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
3. Manage Location Services: While location tools are useful for navigation, they can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
4. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable MFA for all accounts containing sensitive information before you leave.
5. Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. This can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you trust.
By following these cybersecurity best practices, you can enjoy your summer vacation without worrying about compromising your company's network. Stay safe and secure while you travel!
You deserve to unwind on vacation. By taking a few simple precautions, you can keep your device secure, allowing you to fully enjoy your time off without the worry of cyber issues awaiting you at work.
However, it's crucial to understand that these steps are not foolproof. To truly ensure your company's cybersecurity measures are robust, it's essential to collaborate with a professional IT team. They can provide round-the-clock network monitoring, regularly patch vulnerabilities, and alert you to any suspicious activities.
To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, call us at 954-327-1001 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Consult with our cybersecurity experts today. We'll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.
