The Modern Traveller’s Guide to Digital Security

While travelling opens a new gate to a better life, it also invites digital attacks that can turn your adventure into a nightmare. Well, we don’t even think twice before connecting our digital appliances with free public wifi until one day we become the victims of digital theft. Doesn’t this sound scary? To be honest, it is more than scary if it happens to anyone in real life.

Moreover, if you don’t follow the Digital Safety criteria, then you are more prone to cyber attacks. As the public networks are not secured, hackers can steal your sensitive information and use it against you to rob your hard-earned money.

That’s not all; many people have become prey to psychopaths who are capable of stalking you physically through your digital footprint just because you have not taken the precautions and your geo-tracking is available publicly.

Well, if these reasons are enough for you to be a little responsible, then I am glad. Having said that, if you really want to secure your digital devices and make sure that you are safe even when you are wandering around an unknown place, check out this detailed guide to Digital Security.

I can bet that after you take the below precautions I have mentioned, no hacker or digital attacker will be able to get into your digital data or steal any sensitive information. So, make sure you travel like a carefree soul but do it the right way.

Why Is Keeping an Eye on Your Digital Security Important?

Well, you may not understand the importance of keeping your digital information safe unless and until you lose all your account money, your identity, or any sensitive information which anyone can use against you.

You need to understand that your data is valuable, and places where you think are a reflection of heaven are filled with monsters like scammers, thieves, and hackers.

They know that your data is a fortune for them, and they use your innocence and carelessness to make some easy money. Therefore, keeping a check on your digital security is crucial to save you from any mishaps. So, let me take you through the easy tips that can help you to travel securely and smartly.

Prepare Your Digital Safety Tool Kit

If you follow these easy tips, you can make sure that no hacker, scammer, or digital thief can attack you:

1. VPN Is Your Friend
Make sure that you use a VPN while you are travelling. Trust me, a VPN is a very smart tool that helps encrypt your internet connection, protecting your personal data from hackers. This is perfect, especially when you connect with public Wi-Fi. Therefore, install a trusted VPN on your devices and stay digitally safe.

2. The Power Of Two-Factor Authentication
You should never underestimate the power of Two-Factor Authentication. It’s an additional layer that you add to protect your data. With 2FA, you need to use more than your password to log in. That is why it becomes impossible for any hacker to easily get into your accounts.

3. Back Up Before Bag Packing
One thing that you shouldn’t miss is backing up your data to a safer place. This is super essential as it will help you to recover your important data if there is any loss while you are on your adventure. It’s better to keep a backup than cry over the fact that you lost everything to a tricky scammer.

4. Tools Like Antivirus And Anti-Malware Software For Safety
If you don’t know, let me tell you that software like Antivirus and Anti-Malware are a safety net. This way, your devices are protected, and the scammers cannot attack and steal your data.

5. Keep Your Software Updated
Whenever you update your apps, you not only get the latest features but many times, the security of the app is also enhanced. If you are not keeping your apps updated, the hackers may find it easier to attack the old versions of the apps as the security becomes vulnerable and easy to crack.

6. Don’t Install Any Local Apps
Before you step out from your house, make sure you have all the required apps installed. Don’t fall for any local apps because these apps are unprotected, and many times attackers use them as leverage.

7. Keep All Your Devices Safely
Another thing I would recommend you is keeping your devices safe. Make sure that you have a separate bag which is locked and always in front of your eyes. Most people lose their mobiles and laptops while travelling due to carelessness, and later on, they become a victim of a big scam that happens because the devices are unsecured.

8. Make Sure You Carry Power
I would like to emphasize this again and again – carry your power banks. You may find it very convenient to use any public charging points, and the scammers know this. They are way too smart and can access information on your devices through the USB cable that you use to charge your mobile.

9. Don’t Fall For The Free Wifi Service
Who doesn’t love the free wifi service? Well, avoid connecting with any such thing, especially at a place you don’t know. These wifi services are open to anyone and everyone, and you never know what’s happening on this network. Moreover, your devices can be scanned directly by other people on this network because there is no security as such.

10. Buy A Local Sim To Use Data
If you are planning a long trip to a new place where your current sims may not work, get a local sim. This way, you protect all your information that your original sim card has captured. I would suggest removing the original sim card from the mobile and keeping it safely in your bag.

11. Remember To Enable ‘Find My Device’
Precaution is better than cure, and that is why it is important to take all the measures that will help you to tackle any difficult situation. Make sure that you enable ‘Find My Device’ so that you can track your mobile just in case you have lost it or someone has stolen it.

12. Digital Safety Tips You Need To Follow Once You Are Back!
If you think that you are safe back at home after coming from a trip, then you are wrong. Well, many times, scammers attack even when you have left the place. So, make a checklist of the following things and make sure to strictly follow them:

● Change All Your Passwords
● Recheck All Your Important Apps
● Run Antivirus To Double Check
● Check For Any Unauthorized Activities
● Don’t Click On Unknown Links Or Texts

Conclusion

Ah! We are finally becoming responsible travellers, and I am glad that people are now more alert. I mean, what’s worse than falling into a trap where you become a victim of digital theft while travelling when, in the first place, you only wanted to get away for a while from your problems? So, make sure that you follow this guide strictly and avoid any such accidents that can turn your life upside down.