Cybersafe Travel

Whether you are traveling for business or going on vacation, information security should always be part of the itinerary. Here are several tips to ensure you have a cybersafe journey.

Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Whether you are at the airport, a coffee shop, or any other public place, there are usually multiple public Wi-Fi options available. However, attackers can take advantage of this by creating fake networks that look like legitimate ones. To stay safe, always verify that you are connecting to the intended network's SSID (Service Set Identifier). For example, at Atlanta Airport, there may be an imposter network called "Atlanta Airport Wi-Fi" instead of the legitimate "Atlanta International Wi-Fi." If possible, confirm the correct network with the on-site staff.

Whenever possible, use a VPN while on an unfamiliar network. VPNs will encrypt your data and make it difficult for any bad actor on the network to steal. Especially if you must access sensitive information, be it your own or your company's, it is always best to do so over a VPN.

Bluetooth headphones have become more commonplace as fewer devices include a 3.5mm audio port. However, it is important to treat Bluetooth as you would any other potential avenue for attackers to exploit. To minimize risks, disable Bluetooth when it is not in use, especially in crowded environments where the likelihood of unauthorized connections is higher. If you are renting a car and wish to pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth for navigation and audio purposes, consider waiting until you are out of range from other cars to ensure you select the correct device. In crowded areas, many devices may appear similar, making it easy to inadvertently connect to the wrong one. Also, avoid synchronizing your contacts or messages, even if you plan to remove them later.

Take steps to secure your devices before and during your travels. It is always a best practice to keep your devices up to date with the latest security software, but when you are traveling, this becomes even more important. Double-check you have completed any pending software updates and restart your devices before embarking on your journey. Additionally, back up any critical data from your devices to a secure location, such as cloud storage or an external hard drive, in case your device gets lost or damaged.

If possible, consider limiting the number of devices you bring with you. Carrying fewer devices reduces the potential points of vulnerability. For instance, avoid using unencrypted USB thumb drives to store or transfer sensitive data, as they can easily get lost or accessed by unauthorized individuals. Similarly, if you happen to find a USB drive in a public place, never plug it into your computer. Cyber attackers sometimes intentionally drop USB drives containing malicious software, hoping unsuspecting people will connect them to their devices.

Authored by: John Stephens, Security+