Traveling broadens your horizons and expands the mind, but, in an age where few people can stand to be separated from the internet for long, it also comes with cybersecurity risks. Whether you’re a traveler on a business trip, taking a well-earned vacation, or just visiting a new city, cybercriminals may be targeting you. Travelers are more likely to connect to public Wi-Fi, use shared devices, and carry sensitive information on their phones and laptops.
The good news? Protecting your digital life while traveling doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your data, devices, and personal information safe from cyber threats.
Here are 10 essential cybersecurity travel tips to follow before, during, and after your trip.
1. Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN
1. Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN
Public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels, and cafés are not secure. Hackers can easily intercept your data on these networks, allowing them to steal passwords, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information. However, especially when traveling to a country where you might not speak the local language or have any contacts, using the internet in locations such as these is often a necessity.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi whenever possible
- If you must connect, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic
- Never access banking apps, work accounts, or other sensitive data over public networks
- Consider using your mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi for safer browsing
2. Secure your home network before leaving
While it’s one of the more overlooked cybersecurity travel tips, securing your home network before traveling should be common sense. Before you leave for your trip, ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secure to prevent unauthorized access while you’re away. Cybercriminals may try to hack into your home network to steal data, or access smart devices to inform their crimes — such as using your own security cameras to confirm your absence before committing theft.
How to Stay Safe:
- Change your Wi-Fi router password if it’s still set to the default.
- Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date.
- Disable remote access to smart devices and cameras while you’re away.
- Set up security cameras or a monitoring system for additional protection.
3. Keep software and security updates current
Outdated software is a major security risk — and it’s easy for updates to slip your mind when traveling. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in older versions of operating systems, apps, and antivirus programs to gain access to your devices.
How to Stay Safe:
- Update your operating system, apps, and antivirus software before traveling
- Turn on automatic updates to stay protected while on the go
- Ensure your antivirus software is active and scanning for threats
4. Use strong and unique passwords
Using the same password for multiple accounts increases your risk of being hacked. If a cybercriminal gains access to one account, they can use that information to break into your other accounts. This has happened before with major data leaks, through no fault of the users.
How to Stay Safe:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords
- Avoid saving passwords in browsers, which can be compromised if your device is stolen
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a text message or authentication app code, when logging in. This can be particularly useful when traveling because if someone tries to gain access to your account, you will be notified straight away.
How to Stay Safe:
- Enable 2FA on all important accounts, including email, banking, and social media
- Use an authentication app (like Google Authenticator or Authy) instead of SMS for better security
- Never share 2FA codes with anyone
6. Be wary of public charging stations
“Juice jacking” is a cyberattack where hackers install malware in public USB charging stations to steal data from your device when you plug it in. It’s a great way for hackers to take advantage of travelers needing extra charge in busy places such as transport hubs and internet cafes.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid using public USB charging stations at airports, hotels, or cafes
- Bring your own charging adapter and plug into a power outlet instead of a USB port
- Use a USB data blocker to prevent unauthorized data transfer
- Carry a portable power bank so you can charge your devices safely
7. Use privacy screens and physical security measures
Cybercriminals don’t always need sophisticated hacking tools: sometimes, they just look over your shoulder to steal sensitive information. This is known as shoulder surfing and is common in crowded places like airports and coffee shops. Of course, in some places, they’ll just as easily snatch your whole phone: the UK has seen a surge of such offenses in its capital, often targeting unwary travelers.
How to Stay Safe:
- Use a privacy screen filter on your laptop and smartphone to prevent others from spying on your screen
- Keep your devices close and avoid leaving them unattended; consider using a wrist-strap for your phone in busy public spaces
- Use strong passwords or biometric locks to secure your phone and laptop
- Consider using anti-theft software to track your devices in case of theft
8 Turn off Bluetooth and location services when not in use
Bluetooth and location tracking can be used by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your device or track your movements.
How to Stay Safe:
- Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it
- Disable location services for apps that don’t need them
- Only pair Bluetooth devices in secure, trusted locations
9. Monitor bank and online accounts regularly
Hackers often test stolen credit card details with small transactions before making larger fraudulent purchases. When making purchases abroad and dealing with conversion rates, it can be easy for these purchases to slip through the net. Monitoring your accounts can help you detect suspicious activity early.
How to Stay Safe:
- Set up real-time banking alerts to notify you of unusual transactions
- Regularly check your bank and credit card statements while traveling
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards for added fraud protection
- Contact your bank immediately if you notice unauthorized transactions
10. Have a backup plan in case of device loss
The last but not least of our cybersecurity travel tips: sometimes you just have to plan for the worst. Losing your phone, laptop, or tablet while traveling isn’t only stressful and upsetting — it can also be a major security risk, especially if it contains sensitive personal and work information.
How to Stay Safe:
- Backup important data to the cloud or an external hard drive before traveling
- Enable Find My iPhone (Apple) or Find My Device (Android) to locate a lost phone
- Set up remote wipe capabilities to erase sensitive data if your device is stolen
- Keep a list of emergency contacts and backup access methods in case you lose access to your accounts
Be a vigilant voyager
Traveling should be about carefree adventures, not stressing about cybersecurity: so it’s no wonder more people travel with the goal of unplugging for a while. By following our simple and straightforward cybersecurity travel tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
For more cybersecurity advice, and the tools to keep you protected, speak to our support team today.
