We’re entering one of the busiest travel weekends of the year within the US. With traveling and the stress of family, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is identity theft and cyber security. Here are a few tips that will help keep you secure while traveling.
1. Disable wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
You’re wireless devices can provide hackers with valuable information that can lead to identity theft, or even worse physical theft. Your wireless connections can beacon where you’ve been, your home Wi-Fi information, the type of headphones you use, etc. This information can help physically identify you in a crowd which could be dangerous.
2. Don’t use public Wi-Fi, if possible.
Public WiFi, by definition, is easy for the public to access and use. Because of that, administrators rarely put significant security in place to protect the users connecting to their networks. The danger of connecting to the public WiFi is who’s listening. The technical term is Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attack. A MiTM attack is where an attacker intercepts the communication between two parties and sometimes alters it or uses it (in the case of username and password) later. When connecting to your corporate WiFi network, there is generally more security including stronger passwords, and encryption for those who access the system. On your home network you are protected by the passwords and encryption you’ve setup on the network and the number of users who can physically connect to your network (based on proximity).
3. Disable Auto-Connect
Auto-Connect is the feature that when your wireless network is on, it automatically connects to networks you’ve connected to in the past. Hackers can impersonate global networks and trick you into connecting to their network and compromise your computer.
4. Minimize or turn off location sharing
Location sharing on your phone enables applications to report on where you’re located. This can provide bad-guys with information that you’re away from home and traveling, leaving your house vulnerable to break-in or theft. That really hand app that reminds you where your car is parked, also could remind a car thief as well.
5. Install Anti-Virus Protection
This should be standard regardless of whether or not your traveling.
6. Update Operating Systems
Operating system developers routinely develop fixes to security problems, instability and functionality. It is always a good idea to implement patches offered by your OS manufacturer. The key is when upgrading, make sure the patch/update is directly from your manufacturer. Check the website before downloading, check to make sure it’s a valid site and the vendor is publishing information about the specific patch. If there’s some question, do a little more digging and you’ll easily find whether or not it is legit.
7. Don’t update social media with location information
I know everyone wants to share the good times they’re having on vacation, but just like location services, it can lead criminals to you or inform them you’re not home. It can also provide photos and videos to unwanted viewers. Instead of uploading your photos in real time (during the vacation), upload them when you get home. Make sure you also lock down who can see and share your photos.