Discover worry-free travel with our easy device security tips. Whether on a ski trip, hiking adventure, or beach getaway, safeguarding your smartphone or laptop is critical while away from home. This is even more crucial for those traveling for business or important matters. Our travel hacks will help you keep your devices secure with simple measures that require no technical expertise. Rest easy with our practical solutions to protect your device from potential threats.

#1 Do not use public devices

When you’re on the go, public computers may seem like a convenient option for browsing the web or checking your email. However, these machines often come with harmful software installed. Malware, viruses, and keyloggers can all compromise your private information. To avoid a security breach, it’s important to steer clear of public computers, especially when it comes to logging into social media or sensitive accounts. If you’re left with no other option but to use a public computer, only use it for basic web browsing and avoid logging in to personal accounts altogether. As a last resort, protect your data by using a LiveUSB/CD option. Keep your private information, private.

#2 Back up your data

Protect your data from disaster or malfunction by regularly backing it up. Keep your external hard drive or backup device away from your usual work area and encrypt it for security. For added protection, consider locking it away. Don’t just assume your backup worked – frequently verify it to ensure you have a reliable copy ready in case of emergency. And always double-check that it’s disconnected from your real-time data to avoid unwanted activity. Don’t risk losing valuable data – take steps to safeguard it today.

#3 Use a VPN

Traveling can be risky, but using a VPN is a simple way to enhance your security. It creates a secure tunnel to a private server in another country, ensuring your online activity stays encrypted. HTTPS everywhere encrypts your web traffic in-browser, but a VPN encrypts all internet traffic. If you are worried that the VPN will make the internet slow, then these worries are in vain. Yes, low-quality providers slow down the Internet a lot, but you can improve VPN performance by simply switching to a more reliable service provider. For example, VeePN provides high bandwidth, sometimes it even increases the speed of the Internet. At least you won’t see any slowdown in performance. Of course, if you choose the nearest server.

#4 Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth auto-connect

Did you know that your laptop or mobile phone might have an auto-connect feature for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? While convenient, this feature can be risky. Public Wi-Fi connections are often unsecured, and hackers can set up fake networks to gain access to your device or download malware. Make sure to turn off this feature to stay safe. And, before traveling, remember to back up your important information to an external device or cloud, and keep your software up-to-date for added security.

#5 Bulk it out

When traveling to certain countries, extreme measures may be necessary to protect your data and technology. Some governments have strict regulations on what can enter their borders, so it’s important to research ahead of time. Otherwise, you may be caught off guard if your device is confiscated for further examination.

While you may not have much power to fight against technology inspections, there are ways to prepare. Rather than attempting to hide or erase your data, digital security expert Quinn Norton suggests taking the opposite approach. “By hiding your data, you’re actually drawing attention to its importance.” Consider adopting this strategy for a smoother travel experience.

#6 Track your devices

Track and protect your devices with ease using Apple, Android, and Prey. With Apple’s “Find My” feature, you can locate your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Apple Watch through your iCloud portal. Android users can now use the Android Device Manager to track and remotely lock or wipe their devices. For Windows or Linux laptops, Prey offers free tracking accounts with features such as geolocation detection, photo capture, and Wi-Fi network identification. Protect your devices today with these powerful tracking tools.

#7 Limit access to those who need it

Ensure workers only have access to the information they need by implementing access controls. For instance, payroll and HR teams may need access to employee personal data, while sales staff do not. Remember to suspend system access for employees who leave or are absent for an extended period.

Conclusion

We hope these travel hacks help you secure your devices and data while on the road. By regularly backing up your information and using a VPN, you can protect yourself from potential cyber threats. Additionally, invest in tracking tools so that you can easily locate or remotely wipe any lost or stolen devices. Last, but not least, remember to limit access to devices from outside.