Travel Smart: How to Stay Safe Online While Traveling

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Travelling near or far is exciting, but can also be risky if you don’t take proper precautions to stay safe online. From booking accommodations to staying connected with loved ones back home, much of your travel experience now takes place online. As we become more dependent on technology while away from home, the risks of cyber threats also increase. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize online safety and security when travelling. In this post, I’ll share some of my tips and best practices to help you stay safe online while enjoying your travel adventures.

Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s also risky. Hackers can easily intercept data transmitted over public Wi-Fi networks, putting your sensitive information at risk. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help protect your online activity by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. Many VPN providers offer free or affordable plans that are perfect for travellers. I even use my VPN at home and at work now as it provides an additional level of privacy from prying eyes. An additional bonus is that some VPN providers have the ability to block out most of those annoying ads online. Let’s make the internet great again! 🙂

Be cautious when using public computers

With everyone carrying along their own mobile devices, Internet cafes and public computers are less popular now, but in some countries still a thing. Using public computers, such as those in internet cafes or hotel business centers, continues to be very risky. These computers may have keylogging software or other malware installed that can record your keystrokes and steal your login credentials. If you must use a public computer, avoid logging in to sensitive accounts such as email or bank accounts.

Use unique and strong passwords

Stop using the same password everywhere. Seriously. I wrote about that before. Creating strong, unique passwords is crucial for online security. Avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “123456” or “password.” Instead, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to keep track of all your passwords securely.

Be cautious of phishing scams

Phishing scams are common and have become more challenging to spot. Even hackers improve their technology, and I almost fell for one the other day. These scams often take the form of emails or websites that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as your bank or a travel booking site. In my case, it looked like a fake Canada Post email asking for a customs processing fee for a package I was actually expecting around that time. These scam emails or websites will ask for your login credentials or other sensitive information. Always think twice, and verify the authenticity of emails and websites before entering your login credentials or personal information.

Keep your software up to date

Keeping your software up to date is crucial for online security. Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Therefore, double-check before you leave for your trip, and make sure to install software updates as soon as they become available.

Be careful what you share online

Social media is an excellent tool for sharing your travel experiences with friends and family back home. However, it’s essential to be careful about what you share online. Avoid sharing your exact location, especially if you’re travelling solo. Sharing too much information online can make you an easy target for thieves or cyber criminals.

Staying safe online while travelling is essential for protecting your sensitive information and enjoying a worry-free trip. By following these tips, you can help keep your online activity secure and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Bon voyage!

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