Webroot Offers 8 Cybersecurity Tips to Business Travelers:
Doesn't matter whether you're a regular business traveler, or a high-tech adventurer seeker, traveling--particularly abroad--poses unique cybersecurity threats or any other thing similarly. Business travelers are particularly vulnerable as they carry sensitive data on many devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They are also more likely to lose it. www.webroot.com/safe
Safety Tips for Business Travelers
You don't have to cancel your travel plans yet. We are here to help. Here are eight tips on cyber security for business travelers, which can also be helpful for holiday-makers abroad.
- Why it is important to lock devices down
Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops have security settings that allow you to lock your device with a PIN number, or fingerprint ID, whenever you like. This can be done on any device. It is easy to change the PIN numbers that you use frequently while on vacation.
If any of your devices are lost or misplaced, this will be the first line defense against security breaches. It is easy to do.
- Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi
Cyber security laws and regulations in other countries will not be the same as in the US. While free Wi-Fi access is attractive for business and leisure travelers, it can also be a security risk. Avoid Wi-Fi networks that are not encrypted. Ask your hotel about their security protocols before you connect to the Internet. Also, make sure it is secure. You should be extra careful when using Internet cafes or free Wi-Fi hotspots. If you do use them, make sure that you don't access your sensitive data or personal accounts while connecting to the network.
- You must disable your Auto-Connect
The data shows that most US phones have a setting that allows them to connect automatically to Wi-Fi networks when you use them in your daily activities. While this feature is great for home use, it shouldn't be enabled while you travel abroad. Also, make sure to change the setting before you travel so that your laptop and smart-phone can be connected manually each time you access the Internet or use it.
- Limit location sharing
Travelers often update their social media sites while they travel. This type of sharing can pose a security risk at home, which is why it's so common. Signaling your location can make it easy to identify you are not at your hotel or home. This could lead to criminals gaining access to your personal property and making it vulnerable to physical intrusion. To limit potential threats to your personal property, or to cause damage to it, limit the information that you post online.
- Why Anti-Virus Protection is Important
This is one of the most efficient and effective ways to keep your personal and company information safe while on the road. You should also ensure that your software is updated regularly as new versions become available.
- Always update operating systems
You should ensure that your operating system is up-to-date while using antivirus software. This applies to apps as well. Make sure you update apps that you use regularly for personal or financial business.
- How to update your passwords
If you are planning on traveling, make sure to change any passwords that you use regularly. In a similar situation, if you set up a PIN to secure a safe in your hotel room or other areas of the hotel, ensure it is unique. Also, a number sequence is not ideal for password creation. Make sure you take the time to make a password that is both secure and can be accessed by a criminal. You can reset all passwords anytime you return home.
- You must disable your Bluetooth connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity can cause many problems, much like your phone's Wi-Fi connectivity. Bluetooth signals can be sent from any place, as you already know. Bluetooth signals can be sent from anywhere. If you leave your Bluetooth on, anyone nearby could connect to your phone and possibly hack into it. When traveling abroad, make sure to disable Bluetooth as much as you can.
These eight cybersecurity tips are also useful for travelers. You should check the laws and regulations in each country before you travel to ensure safety. You can reduce the risk of being hacked while on business trips. www.webroot.com/safe