International travel has a huge appeal for anyone who wants to get out, explore a bit of culture outside of their own and see the wonders of the world. But traveling internationally is not without risks.
On top of the physical risks that you might already have in mind, there are many cybersecurity and device-related challenges that need to be considered for the modern-day traveler.
In today’s guide, we’ll take a look at them so that you aren’t left vulnerable traveling abroad.
With the following, you’ll learn the risks and the steps you need to take to keep your data safe and enjoy your trip – without any digital threats along the journey!
Cybersecurity Traveling Risks
International travel presents a variety of cybersecurity risks that you may not have considered.
Unfortunately, there is a good reason that cybersecurity in the travel and leisure sector is set to have a CAGR of 13.2% by 2027. Let’s take a look at the two main cybersecurity risk factors when traveling abroad.
Public Wi-Fi Perils
The most obvious risk comes from connecting to unsecured networks. Most of us intend to use the hotel WiFi or nearby restaurants and cafes so as not to waste personal data, which can cost a lot abroad.
Free WiFi is convenient, but presents a landscape full of insecurity, where hackers could well be dwelling.
The bottom line is, on an unsecured network, your personal information, login credentials, and credit card details are all up for grabs.
Theft Risks
As well as the digital risk of interception, you have the good old-fashioned physical theft.
Most devices store passwords and data locally, which means if your smartphone, laptop, or tablet is taken on your travels, then the thief has access to any sensitive information stored.
Preventative measures for theft prevention are key when you travel. We recommend biometrics where possible to prevent unauthorized access and enable encryption.
Pre-Travel Device Preparation
In 2023, we saw a rise of 33% in mobile attacks in the travel industry.
Preventive steps, such as preparing your devices beforehand, can help reduce the threats in the travel landscape and afford you the peace of mind to enjoy your time abroad.
Below are the steps you should take to pre-secure your devices for your journey.
Update & Patch When You Pack
Cybersecurity threats are detected all the time and, luckily, these newly detected threats are quickly patched by software engineers – but if you aren’t regularly updating everything, then you remain at risk.
Your operating system and all of the apps installed need to be regularly kept on top of. It must have the latest updates in place to ensure that you are protected against cyber threats!
Extra Authentication
If you haven’t already, then enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for account access – regardless of the platform or app, but especially for sensitive activities, such as online banking.
2FA requires a secondary way to identify the user, which means if someone has somehow gotten ahold of your password, they can’t get in without a code sent elsewhere (such as to your email or phone number). This keeps your access extra safe.
Opt For Secure Connections Abroad
The best way to stay safe, digitally speaking, is to use secure connections while traveling internationally. Choosing personal hotspots in front of public networks can help protect you from online traveling threats.
Avoid Sensitive Transactions Over Public Wi-Fi
Where possible, you should also limit your activities to non-sensitive ones when connected to public WiFi; you should try to avoid accessing banking or work-related accounts so as to lower the risk of a data breach.
How VPNs Can Help
With end-to-end encryption, secure routing, and IP address masking capabilities, a good VPN for traveling abroad can help keep your data safe on unfamiliar networks.
Safeguarding Data While Traveling
There are also a few key ways you can better protect your data specifically. Let’s take a look at some security features and steps you can take to protect against potential data threats.
Backup Before You Leave
Should the worst happen, having a backup before you go can give you a copy to restore should a device become lost or compromised. So back up any critical information just in case!
Take Advantage of Encryption for Sensitive Information
If your device has built-in encryption, make good use of it. That way, if your device is stolen or hacked into, your sensitive information will be illegible. If not, use encryption tools or a decent traveling VPN.
Online Security Abroad: Best Practices
Vigilance is your best friend when it comes to cybersecurity protection. You must stay informed on what to look out for as well.
The following are the two best practices for keeping safe online abroad – putting them to use can make a significant difference when you travel.
Monitor Your Accounts
Check your bank accounts and any other sensitive platforms you use. If anything is compromised, quick detection can make all the difference in the world in securing and restoring. Regularly monitor what’s going on to spot unusual activity before it’s too late.
Avoiding Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are commonly encountered by travelers when we are in holiday mode. Sometimes, our guard is down – we might not notice that an email from our accommodation is just a good fake.
Verify senders and check for grammatical errors or odd speech in emails and messages. Educate yourself and stay cautious!
Conclusion
International travel is exciting and should be an enjoyable opportunity to venture out into the world and experience what it has to offer – but your devices and data present an equally exciting opportunity for those looking to breach your cybersecurity and make off with all the info they need to turn your world upside down.
The good news is that staying vigilant, preparing your devices, and conducting yourself safely online while abroad with the best practices can all help lower the risks.
Be sure to take full advantage of the latest security tools to help in your efforts, such as 2FA, encryption, and VPNs.
Stay away from unsecured networks and make sure you have all the latest patches in place; that way, you can enjoy your travels safely.
