Planning a family trip is the highlight of the year, and it’s easy to get carried away with the exciting details. But if you’re taking your tech with you, staying safe online will be just as important as remembering the snacks and sunscreen.
Whether you’re hopping on hotel Wi-Fi or checking in from the airport, these seemingly harmless tasks can expose you to cybercriminals. Luckily, it only takes a few simple habits to help keep your personal information protected. Staying digitally safe on vacation means you can focus on making memories rather than dealing with digital headaches.
Be Smart About Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi in lobbies, cafes, and theme parks may seem like a lifesaver, but actually put families at risk. Hackers know how to exploit unsecured networks and intercept actions, ultimately gaining access to your data, including passwords and online banking details.
If you absolutely must get online to check a map or book a dinner reservation, try to use your cellular data instead. If that’s not possible, connect to public Wi-Fi but take the necessary steps to protect your devices and data. For Apple users, a free VPN for Mac can help encrypt your connection. This disguises your device and makes it much harder for strangers to peek at your data.
Keep Your Devices Up to Date
Outdated phones and laptops are more vulnerable to malware. This is a growing concern that the FBI and CISA have recently drawn public and professional attention to. Devices used by federal agencies that are unable to process the newest updates now have to be decommissioned as they can act as weak entry points for cybercriminals.
Similar can be said for your devices. Before you head off on your travels, take ten minutes to check for software updates on every device in your suitcase. These updates often contain critical security patches that act as a digital shield. They can help to protect your saved passwords, which could safeguard your family’s privacy.
Use Strong Passwords and Keep Them Private
All travelers should try to create strong and memorable passwords to protect accounts while on the go. Using unique passwords for every account helps keep everyone safe.
As remembering a string of random letters and characters is probably unlikely, consider using a password manager to help generate and securely store random passwords for accounts. These time-saving apps create and store random sequences so you don’t have to.
Protect Your Home Network Before You Leave
Finally, cyber risks don’t pause just because you and your family are on vacation. Home routers are especially vulnerable, particularly those which are old, manufactured abroad or left unsecured.
Update your router firmware or replace outdated hardware before heading out the door. Set a strong administrator password with secure WPA2/WPA3 protocols. By securing your home network, you can enjoy your trip knowing your digital front door is locked while you are away.
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