How to Keep Your Personal Data Safe While Exploring the World
Traveling is fun, but in the digital age of social media where everything is uploaded for public consumption, it’s important to understand the risks to our personal data and how to mitigate them.
With a few preventative measures, you can explore the globe while you keep your information safe.
Protect Your Data from Third-Party Brokers
When you travel, your passport, flight records, hotel bookings, and other details may end up in the hands of data brokers – third-party companies that collect and sell consumer information.
To minimize your exposure, you can contact major brokers directly and ask them to delete your records. Look up their data removal procedures online and follow the steps to submit data deletion requests. This helps reduce the spread of your personal information.
Alternatively, use a service like Incogni which automates data request removals to data brokers.
Use Secure Wi-Fi and VPNs
Public wi-fi networks at airports, hotels, cafes, and other locations are often unsecured. Connecting to them can potentially give hackers access to your data.
Use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public wi-fi to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your personal data.
Turn on your VPN before launching any apps or logging into accounts. VPNs offer crucial protection for travelers and their personal information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication helps to protect your online accounts by requiring both your password and a secondary piece of identifying information. This protects your data in case your password is compromised.
Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts, including email, social media, travel booking sites, banks, and more. Use an authenticator app or USB security key rather than SMS text messages, which can be more easily hacked.
Back-Up Your Data
Back up your laptop, phone, camera, and other devices, including personal data, before traveling.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud offer secure online backups. You can also back up data locally to an external hard drive or USB drive.
Having an up-to-date backup protects you in case your devices, along with data, are lost, stolen, or damaged during your trip.
Use Strong Passwords
Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Weak reused passwords put your data at risk. Use password manager apps to generate and store strong randomized passwords.
Enable password autofill in your browser and device settings to log into accounts seamlessly. Set up passphrases for device logins. Turn on password or fingerprint access for your mobile device to add another layer of security.
Keep Software Updated
Before traveling, update your laptop, phone, apps, antivirus software, and operating systems. Vendors regularly release security patches to fix vulnerabilities.
Running the latest versions keeps you protected against emerging digital threats when you’re on the road. Enable automatic updates where possible to stay current effortlessly.
Travel Smart: Safeguard Your Personal Data and Cybersecurity While Exploring the World
Travel thoughtfully in our digital world and your data doesn’t have to be sacrificed for amazing experiences. With some preventative measures, you can securely navigate the globe without compromising your cybersecurity.
Use these tips to keep your information safe so you can focus on creating memorable moments.