Every individual and business is connected to the digital landscape. Especially due to the pandemic COVID – 19, staying connected from any corner of the world and having access to your data while traveling has become essential. Whether working remotely at home or traveling worldwide, digital accessibility has become an everyday task. With this, the term “Data Security” has come into existence. In order to safeguard your personal and sensitive information, especially while traveling, holds various aspects.
In this blog, we will understand and explore essential tips for data security while you’re on the move. Let us understand the security services implemented to protect your data.
1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN):
Before you connect your device to any public Wi-Fi network, install and use a reputable VPN. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data, especially when using unsecured public Wi-Fi. It makes it difficult for third parties to track or steal your data. The best part of using a VPN is that it encrypts on a real-time basis.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Always enable multi-factor authentication for your online accounts. It provides an extra layer of security to your data. Whether bank transactions or official sensitive data, it will ask you to provide a second form of verification. These include a fingerprint or one-time code in addition to your password.
For instance, if your password is stolen or hacked, this multi-factor authentication will protect you by creating an extra layer. It will ask for additional verification procedures that cannot be accessed by the hacker, leading to the security of your data.
3. Update and Secure Your Devices:
Ensure that all your devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, have the latest operating system and security updates installed. These updates will have higher security concepts, which will stop the hackers from diving into your data. Set strong passwords and use device encryption features. These points will protect your data in case your device is lost or stolen.
4. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi:
Avoid accessing sensitive or important information, such as online banking or confidential work documents, when connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are generally connected to multiple devices and are more prone to be hacked. If you must use public Wi-Fi due to emergencies, then connect to a VPN and avoid accessing sensitive data. This will enable you to protect your personal information safe from cyberattacks.
5. Use Secure Browsing Practices:
Stick to secure websites that use HTTPS encryption when entering personal information. HTTPS is the most secure encryption that can be provided to your information. Avoid clicking on suspicious links, as it has been a famous trick to steal data from your devices very easily. Be cautious when downloading files or attachments from unknown sources, as it may also lead to a breach of your privacy.
6. Encrypt Your Data:
Encryption works very vigilantly in securing your data. It protects your information from being changed, stolen, or compromised. Then, it transforms your data into a secret code that can only be unlocked by a digital key. So you can encrypt sensitive data stored on your devices. Many devices and operating systems offer encryption features that protect your data from unauthorized access.
There are two types of encryptions. They are:
- Symmetric Encryption: Symmetric encryption, also known as a shared key or private key algorithm, employs the same key for both encrypting and decrypting data. It is known for its efficiency as it doesn’t require extensive computing power, resulting in minimal delay during data decryption.
- Asymmetric Encryption (Public-Key Cryptography): Asymmetric encryption is characterized by its enhanced security due to the separate keys, but it comes at the cost of increased computational requirements, particularly during decryption. The public encryption key is often relatively large, typically ranging from 1,024 to 2,048 bits, making asymmetric encryption less suitable for handling large volumes of data compared to symmetric encryption.
7. Backup Your Data:
For every data management, especially before traveling, secure backup is very important. Go for cloud storage or an external hard drive for backups. This ensures that even if your device is lost or compromised, your data remains safe. Backups also protect from human errors, virus attacks, power failure, and many more. It will always lend you a helping hand to save time and money when such errors occur.
8. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
Avoid using easily guessable passwords. Instead, create a password that can go through brute-force attacks. It means hackers try various letters or number combinations until the right password is accessible.
Otherwise, you can simply choose a password manager that will create and store strong passwords for all of your accounts. It is highly recommended to change passwords on a regular basis, especially for critical accounts.
9. Beware of Social Engineering:
Have you heard of social engineering? It is known to be one of the dangerous tricks used on people to forcibly make human errors and enable sensitive data to be hacked. It holds the malicious practices to steal data through human interactions. It is said that with various psychological tricks, you will give away your data by making simple errors. So, be cautious of unsolicited emails, calls, or text messages regarding personal or financial information. Cybercriminals mostly adapt social engineering techniques to trick travelers into divulging sensitive data.
10. Monitor Your Accounts:
Do a regular check on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions while you are traveling. It empowers you to spot unauthorized transactions promptly, take swift action to mitigate potential damage and protect yourself from fraud. The sooner you detect and report suspicious activity, the faster you can mitigate potential damage. By doing so, you can safeguard your financial well-being and maintain peace of mind. You can also find various security services, especially for businesses to protect from cyberattacks.
11. Lock Your Devices:
Set up strong passwords, PINs, or biometric authentication to lock your devices when not in use. It adds a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access, ensuring that your digital life remains secure. Even in case of device loss or theft, your data is known to be secure. You can make a balance between convenience and security while using your electronic devices.
Many modern devices offer features like “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone,” which allow you to locate, remotely lock, or even wipe the data from your device if it’s lost or stolen. This functionality is especially valuable in protecting your data and preventing unauthorized access. So, if you have such an option on your mobile, make sure to enable it in the settings.
12. Use Remote Wiping:
Enable remote wiping on your mobile devices. This feature allows you to erase all data on your device remotely in case it is lost or stolen, preventing unauthorized access to your information. So, although you are traveling, make this a must-have managed security service, as it assures data security.
13. Stay Informed:
Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and travel advisories for your destination. Being aware of such potential risks can help you take appropriate precautions. The role of managed security services in cybersecurity for SMEs has its own significance. It provides outsourced monitoring and security device management, which enables the protection of important data. So, whether you are traveling or staying still, make sure to stay informed.
By following these data security tips while traveling, you can reduce the risk of your personal and sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Remember that being proactive about cybersecurity is an essential part of enjoying a safe and worry-free travel experience.
