Stay tech savvy on your next holiday and beat cyber worries

written by Amy Steenkamp October 2, 2021

Over the last few years with travel restrictions, we are so grateful that travel and tourism are picking up (globally) – just in time for festive season getaways. This is the time of year where we need to be extra vigilant regarding our safety but we often forget that cyber safety is important too.

With the return of ‘normalcy’ and the freedom to travel, both domestic and international, cautionary should still be in full force.

Cyber crimes are increasing day is day and it is possibly the last thing you want to think about when trying to relax on holiday. Cyber security expert and GoldPhish CEO, Dan Thornton, has given us the best practices on how you can protect yourself from becoming a target or victim of cybercrime, especially when travelling.

GoldPhish is a cyber security awareness training platform that enables businesses to ward off potential attacks by helping their entire workforce to be cyber savvy.

We all love posting our vacation trips on social media but think twice before you post that selfie with your passport and boarding pass in all the excitement.

There are multiple factors to consider when traveling and in its own way, traveling comes with its own cyber risks to individuals. From being careless about online bookings to disregarding cyber security best practices. Cyber security expert and GoldPhish CEO, Dan Thornton, provides best practices on how travellers can take to protect themselves from becoming targets of cybercrime.

Smart Booking

Your dream getaway can become pricey and the internet is filled with tempting deals and discounts. It is so easy to let your guard down. Thornton says: “Fraudsters certainly know that you are tempted by the hotel, flight, and car rental discounts, and they will often pose as travel agents and create seemingly legitimate-looking third-party websites.”

Cyber Savvy Tips

1. Avoid acting on travel discounts received via unsolicited emails.

2. Double-check that you are on a legitimate website before handing over money.

3. Beware of spelling, formatting, and other basic mistakes that could indicate a website is not a legitimate business.

4. A site’s security level can be legitimised by looking for an ‘https’, but this is not always the case.

5. Opt for credit card payments when booking online as they offer a layer of protection that debit cards and bank transfers do not.

6. If a flight or hotel offer seems too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Our reliance on technology has become so fundamental in our everyday lives, whether we are scrolling through social media at an Airbnb or attending to emails in an airport, there are dangers associated with public hotspots.

Here are a few things to keep in mind to protect your devices and data while on the move.

1. Open-access Wi-Fi networks are not secure – limit the use of public Wi-Fi. Make use of your personal hotspot unless you are using a VPN.

2. Turn off location tracking and cut back on social networking check-ins.

3. Minimise the use of data storage devices. When not in use, disconnect the storage device and store it in a safe location. Never pick up and use a found storage device.

4. Always know where your devices are, and keep your device locked with a password or pin lock when not in use – longer, more complex passwords are better.

5. Shield logins and any confidential content on your devices from prying eyes. Use a laptop privacy screen to discourage shoulder surfing.

6. Avoid video chats and private conversations while in public, especially business conversations.

Enjoy your next getaway but always remember to be vigilant and tech savvy!

Featured Image: Courtesy Image