Keep Your Private Information Safe While Traveling for the Holidays

The holidays are a great chance to get away from everyday life and visit those you love. But it's important to remember your sensitive information is vulnerable while you're on the go. 

Safeguarding your passwords, devices, and account information should be a priority. In this article, we’ll share three ways you can keep your information safe.

Be Wary of Public WiFi

When you’re traveling, free WiFi can feel like a stroke of luck. But be careful before you connect. Scammers can create open WiFi in public spaces to steal valuable data. They typically target high-traffic areas. The network owner can see the activity on your device to intercept your sensitive information, so be careful before you connect.

How to stay safe on public WiFi:

  • Don’t use public WiFi to make purchases or enter sensitive information
  • If you need to make a purchase or enter sensitive information, use a virtual private network (VPN)
  • Check with the business to ensure the WiFi network you’re connected to is legitimate

Take Steps to Secure Your Devices

Today, our phones, tablets, and laptops are filled with sensitive information. To scammers, they are a high-value target. If a bad actor enters your phone, they could access your accounts, see your messages, and impersonate you. Before you leave for you holiday trip, make it a priority to secure your devices.

How to secure your devices ahead of time:

  • Make a list of the personal electronics you are bringing and check to make sure you’ve accounted for each device before you move on from a location
  • Create strong passwords or enable biometric authentication on all of your devices
  • Set up device tracking on programs like Apple’s Find My iPhone and Android’s Find My Device in case they are lost or stolen

Look Out for Social Engineering

Some of the most effective scamming attempts don’t need computers. Social engineering is the method scammers use to gain sensitive information through manipulation. Be aware of these methods so you’re prepared if anyone tries them on you during your travels.

How to stay aware of social engineering:

  • Be suspicious of any emails, texts, or calls asking for sensitive information
  • Keep your passport, ID, and other important documents secure
  • Criminals can use your social media to know when you are gone—don’t post about your travel plans until you return

We hope these tips help you stay safe while making the most of your travels! For more ways to keep your information secure, check out our other security-related articles. 

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