Summer Travel: Cybersafety on the Go

Pina Coladas, beautiful beaches, and sitting poolside working on the laptop. Vacation can sometimes be sitting in a cabana, catching up on emails, filing last-minute reports, and sitting in on meetings. While we bring work on the go, let’s not forget our cybersafety while traveling.

Even in paradise, be mindful of any sketchy or unfamiliar online activities. From unfamiliar emails to questionable Wi-Fi networks, it is essential to always be cybersafe and protect yourself against potential cyberattacks. In this article, we will go over some cybersafety tips to ensure a peaceful vacation and a secure remote work environment.

Separate Work and Personal Devices

Extra luggage could be tedious, but bringing a laptop separately from your personal laptop to work on keeps your personal and professional data from intermingling.

Keeping the devices separate can reduce the risk of data compromise.  If you have your work email on your personal device, you could be exposed to a phishing attack. Your personal information could be compromised, and vice versa.

Use Secure Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is convenient and often easily accessible, but security can sometimes be questionable. If you do not have access to a secure Wi-Fi network or a personal hotspot, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) when using public Wi-Fi.

VPNs create an encrypted “tunnel” for data. When working in coffee shops or airports, a VPN can protect your data from cyber attackers.

Utilize Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication can be one of the most beneficial tools for remote work. If passwords are stolen while traveling, two-factor authentication prevents hackers from accessing accounts without the second line of verification.

You may also receive real-time notifications if someone attempts to log in with stolen credentials.

Use Strong Passwords

Passwords are your first line of defense; they can serve as a barrier between your data and unauthorized users.

Passwords secure your data inside and outside of the office, preventing hackers from using brute-force attacks to access your credentials.

Read about how important strong passwords can be when it comes to online safety.

Ensure Devices are Locked and Always in Your Possession

While on vacation, we could easily lose track of your belongings, and scammers and cybercriminals would use that as the perfect time to access your devices.

If you are in a situation where devices must be left unattended, always double-check that they are locked and in a secure location.

By following these tips, you can safeguard your digital workspace, protect sensitive information, and enjoy a productive, secure remote work experience.

Stay vigilant and prioritize your online security to make the most out of working on the go.

 

Read CISAs’ article on Cybersecurity Best Practices to learn more about cybersecurity.