Ensuring Cybersecurity During Summer Travels
Summer is a prime season for business owners and employees to take a break from the office and enjoy a well-earned vacation. However, even with "out of office" email responders activated, many people still check in on work periodically while traveling. Unfortunately, working outside the office—whether through quick email checks during vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local café, or conducting business on the go—can pose significant cybersecurity risks. If you or your employees plan to handle urgent emails from the airport or access network documents in a hotel lobby, it's crucial to adhere to robust cybersecurity best practices to avoid exposing your company's network to nearby hackers.
In this blog post, we will discuss essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to safeguard your network from potential cyber threats.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
Cybersecurity might not be at the forefront of your vacation checklist, but neglecting it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals are aware that summer is a prime time to strike, as people tend to lower their guard while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time away from the office rather than ensuring they follow cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
To reduce the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are some best practices to discuss with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet during their vacation.
Before You Go:
- Back Up Your Data: If your device is lost or damaged, having a backup ensures you can restore your data.
- Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device's ability to defend against malware.
- Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If someone attempts to access an unattended device, they will have full access to your private information if it's not locked.
- Enable "Find My Phone": This feature allows you to locate your device if lost and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.
While Traveling:
- 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.
- Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi networks 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!)
- 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.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable MFA for all accounts containing sensitive information before you leave.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. These features 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 best practices, you can minimize the risk of cyber threats and enjoy a secure, worry-free vacation.