Cybersecurity experts say that your passwords are more at risk the minute you step out of your home or office. “Travel educates and diversifies the series of events that you come across Unfortunately, it opens you up to a new world where your digital data is at risk of being cyber-attacked,” said Stepan Solovev, CEO & Co-founder of Soax.
People also tend to neglect their safety in terms of digital security especially when they are on a journey which in fact breaks the normal routine of their activities. Security specialists claim that seemingly quite innocuous actions such as linking to an unfamiliar Wi-Fi or creating a new account on the go with a simple password are quite dangerous.
Why Are Your Passwords at Risk During Travel?
1. Exposure to Unsecured Networks
One of the most common pitfalls for travelers is the reliance on public Wi-Fi networks. Airports, hotels, cafes, and even public transport facilities frequently offer free Wi-Fi that may not be secure. These networks often lack strong encryption, making it easy for cyber attackers to intercept any data transmitted over the network, including password entries.
2. Increased Online Activity
Whether it’s booking activities, checking in flights, or reserving accommodations, travel involves a heighted level of online activity. This increase not only elevates the risk of exposure but also pushes travelers to use convenient but potentially unsafe practices, like reusing passwords across multiple sites.
3. Targeting by Cyber Criminals
Hackers usually consider tourists as easy targets as they are believed to be less vigilante than the local people. Examples of such scams can include imitation of actual Wi-Fi networks, emails designed to look like those of the travel supplier, and any other approach meant to act dishonestly and deceive people into providing credentials.
Precautions to Take to Ensure the Safety of Passwords While on a Business Trip
Cybersecurity doesn’t require you to be an expert to maintain safety. Below are some actionable steps recommended by cybersecurity professionals:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPN protects your Internet connection and it becomes nearly impossible for hackers to steal your data and passwords. Therefore, make it a habit to toggle on your VPN whenever you want to connect to any public Wi-Fi.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This is a type of authentication where one logs into an account by entering a password, username and the account also requires the user personal item like a token or fingerprint.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: About inputting crucial numerical data like credit card details or passwords, do not input this over the public Wi-Fi, instead use the mobile network connectivity.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: The password for each of the accounts should be different. When it comes to passwords, it is suggested to use a reliable password manager that will enable tracking of all of them without the need to memorize them.
- Regularly Update Your Security Features: Ensure your operating system and applications are up to date. They also include the bug fix and security patches which assist in guarding against the new emerging threats.
As Stepan Solovev notes, “Protection of your information begins in your mind: If you know that identity theft threat exist and apply simple preventive measures, you significantly minimize chances to become a target for cyber criminals.”
Vacation is for leisure and relaxation; it should not be a time to fret over hacked accounts. It is true that adopting some of these measures might help to significantly reduce the likelihood or impact of such digital disasters, thus making the experiences during travelling more exciting. So, the last thing to remember about your trip is that being safe is as essential as having your bags packed.
Article brought to us by Soax
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and Davd Cates
