Do you want to protect your data on vacation and always travel relaxed? Then you should pay just as much attention to protecting your personal data on the road as you do to planning your trip.
Smartphones, laptops and tablets have long been indispensable travel companions - whether for digital boarding passes, hotel bookings or navigation via app. However, the use of electronic devices also makes us more susceptible to data theft and hacker attacks while on vacation. I had to experience this myself, even though I am generally very aware, attentive and sustainable travel.
In this article, I have therefore put together some simple but effective tips for data protection when traveling so that you can learn from my mistakes and discover new places without compromising your privacy. Let's go!
1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Networks While Traveling
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are extremely practical if you want to save your data volume. But Cyber criminals often use precisely these networks that are accessible to the general publicto intercept data.
So, if possible, use the mobile data network and a VPN for cell phones (Virtual Private Network) to secure your connection while on the move. The service encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address so that your data remains protected from hackers.
2. Be Careful When Sharing Location Data on Social Media
In addition to the risk of addiction and lack of concentration, the loss of control over personal data is also one of the Dangers of social media. Of course the Looking forward to your vacation and the Immerse yourself in foreign cultures on site is huge. Who wouldn't want to share their impressions with friends and family?
But all private information about your current location should be off limits to the public. Only switch on GPS and location services if necessary. Burglars use such data to exploit your absence for their own purposes. If you have to, share photos and experiences only after your return.
Important: Also be careful with your out-of-office notes and automatic reply e-mails. The date of return and, if applicable, a replacement person are sufficient.
3. Use Strong Passwords & Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Whether you're traveling or at home: To protect yourself against hacker attacks and also more serious incidents like Avoid identity theftyou should take the following measures:
- Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for important accounts an additional layer of security (with another device) - and to make access by unauthorized third parties more difficult.
- Choose Unique passwordswhich consist of a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters to make them harder to crack.
4. Keep Devices & Apps Up to Date
To close security gaps and protect yourself from cyberattacks, you should of course also update your devices and apps as much as possible when traveling and Regular software updates carry out.
You eliminate known weaknesses and secure your device better when surfing the net. This is also an important aspect for more data protection when traveling.
Tip: How you can basically Sustainable on the Internet I'll show you how to do this again in a separate blog article.
5. Avoid Public Charging Stations
Many people don't realize that public charging stations pose a security risk. Criminals can use manipulated ports to transfer malware to your device - an attack known as "Juice Jacking" is known.
Therefore use only your own chargers and charge your smartphone, laptop, etc. preferably in your accommodation. Make sure you also install an anti-malware program.
6. Never Leave Your Devices Unattended
What applies to the vacation cocktail also applies to electronic devices: Never leave them unattended! With a Theft you not only lose your Expensive smartphone or your laptop, but also access to personal data that can be found in the device.
It is better to keep technical items such as a notebook safe in the Hotel safe and always carry your smartphone with you. The best way attached to a secure lanyardthat protects you from thieves.
Good to know: The fact that if you lose your cell phone, countless pieces of personal information can fall into criminal hands is one of the many Disadvantages of smartphones. You can find out what other problems the device can cause in the linked article.
7. Use Public Computers Only as a Last Resort
Just like public charging stations, publicly accessible devices can of course also be infected with viruses that intercept important information such as user names and passwords.
That's why you should take data protection seriously when traveling and really only access critical accounts such as yours from your own devices. Online banking access.
8. Be Cautious When Using Rental Cars
Modern cars collect intimate datafor example via our Weight or our driving behavior. So if you treat yourself to a rental vehicle on vacation, it is advisable not to store any personal data such as addresses or telephone numbers in the navigation system.
And if it cannot be avoided, I recommend that you use this data must be deleted before the vehicle is returned.
9. Encrypt Your Data for Extra Security
Encrypting means that the files from one of your devices read only with a special key can be used. So if your smartphone or laptop is lost or stolen, strangers without the right password or a specific unlocking method will not have access to your personal information.
Many operating systems already offer Integrated encryption options. Here are a few examples:
- Android & iOS: As of newer versions, encrypted by default if you set up a screen lock.
- WindowsBitLocker" (under Settings > Device encryption)
- macOSFileVault" (under System settings > Security)
10. Stay Vigilant & Think Before You Click
Think first, then click! 🙂 Not every app is trustworthy and not every email should be opened. To protect your data, you should Only apps from official stores such as the Play Store or the AppStore and check their permissions. For example, a weather app does not need access to your contacts...
Also be careful with Links and attachments in emails or messenger messagesespecially if they come from unknown senders. Cyber criminals use phishing emails to obtain your personal data or spread malware. Delete suspicious messages immediately and never disclose confidential information.
Take Data Privacy Seriously While Traveling & Prevent Security Risks!
Whether you're in Brazil, Thailand, Morocco, Italy or Canada - to enjoy a carefree vacation without any nasty surprises, you can use these tips to make the most of your vacation. Significantly reduce the risk of data misuse. If you follow them, you are ultimately only protecting personal data and your privacy. Privacy on the Internetbut also your vacation fund.
And in the event that you do lose a device, I can only advise you to purchase a Backup and to make you Important contacts (e.g. the telephone numbers of friends and the German consulate abroad). Report the loss also contact the police directly and block your access to important accounts.
"The world belongs to those who set out to conquer it armed with self confidence and good humour."
Charles Dickens (more at Travel quotes)
Do you have any questions, further tips or personal experiences with information theft when traveling that you would like to share? Then please leave me a comment!
Stay alert and stay safe,
PS: Travel more relaxed, make new friends, increase your career opportunities - there really are a lot of good things to do. Reasons for learning a foreign language. Which ones still belong and with which Tips for learning a new language quicklyyou can find out in the linked blog articles.
