For a digital and web addict, it is almost impossible to travel without connecting to the internet. If this is your case and you connect to a Wi-Fi public to access your email, an online store or even your bank account, be aware that you are not safe from cyber threats.
Find out here some ways to protect your personal data and devices against cyber threats, so you can have a worry-free vacation.
Protect yourself from cyber threats before going on vacation
Digital personal data is often the one we forget to protect before heading off on holiday. Start by breaking this habit by performing a full update of your devices' operating system and software before the big day. Check if your trusted security solution. Back up your data and keep it safe. Transfer your sensitive data from your laptop hard drive to an encrypted external hard drive, especially for the holiday period. Consider enabling the “inactivity timeout” and “anti-theft” functions on each device you take with you, and protect them with a strong password. Anti-theft allows you to trace them in case of theft or loss and, if necessary, to delete your data remotely.
During the holidays
In a public place, always have your devices monitored when you need to move or leave. Make sure that the internet access available is secure. Find out the correct name of the Wi-Fi of your hotel or place of residence and connect strictly to it. If this internet network requires you to update any of your software before connecting, disconnect automatically and notify the reception.
Avoid any Wi-Fi connection that has the word “free” after it. The same goes for those that don’t have WPA2 encryption. These connections are not secure enough and leave you vulnerable to hacking.
In case you need to connect to public Wi-Fi to access your corporate network, it is recommended to use your VPN (Virtual Private Network). And if you are using public Wi-Fi, do not connect to online stores or banks. This helps protect your data from cyber threats. In case of emergency, use your phone's tethering and browse with the internet connection on your smartphone.
In case you don't have an effective and safe antivirus, use the ESET Online Scanner if you think your laptop is infected. It is a free scanner, without installation, that detects malware and allows you to remove it. You can also download the version ESET Mobile for Android on PlayStore and use it for free.
