How to stay digitally safe when traveling abroad.

When you are preparing to go on the trip of your dreams, your thoughts are all about it. You pack your luggage and come up with your itinerary, but digital security seems to be the furthest thing from your mind — especially the security of your personal data. Why would you need it? You are on vacation!
We all are familiar with Facebook and similar social media resources. It should not be a surprise for you that Facebook knows pretty much all about you and your interests. So, when you are far away from home on a nice vacation, do not be too public about that on social media. In fact, it might be even a good idea to use programs like VPN or proxy ones that will keep your location secret, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi to download something before a long flight. There are a wide range of programs, such as uTorrent, which provide safe downloading, which protects you better for other online activities too.
For even greater security, consider using a dedicated proxy server, which acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address and location. It’s a simple step that can save you from a world of trouble.
Hijacking is not a huge surprise for many people today, because almost every 7th person has been hijacked at least once in his/her life. That is why extra safety measures will not be in vain. Here are some more facts that might make you reconsider how safe you really are.
Fact №1: Public Wi-Fi can be dangerous
Public Wi-Fi network is not a rare thing these days because Wi-Fi points are almost everywhere, from our homes and hotels to public places, parks, and restaurants. While you are using a wireless connection, passwords are typically very similar, hence easy to break. WEP encryption in such hotspots is highly unsecured. Cybercriminals can set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that look legitimate, tricking you into connecting and stealing your data. That’s why it’s essential to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi and take steps to protect yourself.
Note: Using a VPN or other data encrypting programs makes it safer, and protects your data. Another critical point is to keep your software and apps up to date. Those pesky update notifications might seem annoying, but they often include critical security patches that protect against the latest threats. Set your devices to update automatically, so you don’t have to worry about it while you’re enjoying your trip.
Fact №2: Inform Your Bank about being away
Some banks block client’s cards when transactions are made somewhere far away and seem to be suspicious. First, the bank will try to contact you, then they will block the card. This is the reason why you should inform your bank that you are going on vacation, especially if you are abroad.
Note: this action also refers to Paypal, which does everything to protect the personal information of its clients all around the world. If the system notes suspicious activity, it will block it. Note that the same will happen in the event of transferring huge amounts of money – just to make sure that it is legal action. Unlocking the account takes from 1 to 3 days, and can be done only with a special security key.
Fact № 3: Entertainment
It goes without saying that all of us have downloaded music and videos from the Internet at least once. However, some of the websites that you use at home can be blocked abroad. The reasons for this are different, and it does not mean that the online resource contains harmful information. It is better to use legal Torrents, which are much safer in this respect, and remains a source of good music and movies too. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in streaming platforms and gaming servers to gain access to your devices and personal information. They can also use social engineering tactics to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected files.
Fact № 4: Virus protection
One of the biggest threats to your online security while traveling is malware, including viruses, trojans, and spyware. These malicious programs can infect your devices through various means, such as downloading infected files, clicking on malicious links, or even just visiting compromised websites. Once installed, malware can steal your personal information, spy on your online activities, or even take control of your devices. It is believed that using Torrents and VPN services reduces the risk of getting a virus. Downloading music or movies from unknown websites always presents some risk, as you never know whether it has any malware.
Conclusion
There could be many reasons and advantages of using VPN services but one of the main ones is giving you additional protection and privacy. In the world of modern technologies, almost every step can be traceable and visible. Why not to try to make it less as secure as possible?
SUPPORT
The only way I can continue my travels and publishing this blog is by generous contributions from readers. If you can, please subscribe for just $5 per month:NEWSLETTER
About the Author: Other Voices
Other Voices has written 1187 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.
Next post: Travel Tips: Best Cyprus Attractions for Explorers
Previous post: The first-rate destination that is Bali