Traveling is fun, but keeping your personal information safe is important. When you’re away from home, your data can be at risk.
Here are some simple ways to protect yourself while you travel.
Make Your Devices Safe Before You Leave
Before your trip, check that your phone, laptop, and tablet are ready. Also, update all your apps and software so they have the latest security.
Use strong passwords and turn on features like fingerprint or face unlock. You can also use a password manager to help you remember your passwords.
Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafes is not always safe. Hackers can use it to steal your information.
Do not check your bank account or enter passwords when using public Wi-Fi. If you need to, turn on a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your connection private.
You can also check your IP address before and after connecting to public Wi-Fi to see if your location or network has changed. A quick way to do this is by visiting What is my IP address.
Don’t Share Too Much Online
You may want to post about your trip, but you should wait until you get home. If you post where you are, someone might know your house is empty.
Try not to share your travel plans or location in real time.
Watch Out for Scams
Some people try to trick travelers with fake websites or emails. Only book hotels and flights from trusted websites.
If you get a message that looks strange or asks for personal info, don’t click on it. Always double-check before giving out your details.
Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards
Credit cards are safer to use when you travel. If someone steals your card number, recovering your money is easier.
Debit cards take money straight from your bank, so they are more challenging to fix if something goes wrong.
Keep Your Documents Safe
Only carry the documents you need, like your passport and ID. Keep them in a safe place, like a travel wallet.
You can also take pictures or scan your documents and save them in a secure cloud account, just in case you lose them.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds extra protection to your accounts. It usually involves entering your password and then receiving a code on your phone.
This makes it harder for someone to break into your accounts, even if they know your password.
Be Smart at ATMs and Payment Machines
Look closely at the machine when you use an ATM or pay with a card. If something looks strange or loose, don’t use it.
Cover the keypad with your hand when you type your PIN. This helps stop people from stealing your card info.
Partner Content
The above article is paid content, and any information presented should be independently verified before making any decisions as a result of the content. This article does not constitute advice of any kind, nor does it represent the opinions of the website publisher.