A Guide To Effective Cyber Security For Corporate Travelers

Computer hacker with mobile phone smartphone stealing data

Travelling means all sorts of dodgy Wi-fi, potential hackers and a whole lot more – so how do you keep safe when on the go?

Locking The Device Down

The majority of smartphones, tablets, and laptops present with security settings that will enable you to lock the device using a fingerprint ID or a PIN number.

It is essential that you perform this task on all available devices when traveling.  Furthermore, while traveling it is advised that you change the PIN numbers on a regular basis.

In the event that any of the devices are misplaced or forgotten, a PIN number will be the first line of defense against security breaches; therefore, it would be beneficial to keep the thieves guessing about the PIN number.

Beware of Public Wi-Fi Services

The laws and regulations governing cyber security in other countries will, needless to say, not be the same as those presented in the United States.

Free Wi-Fi services can be a highly appealing option for both corporate and leisure travelers; however, it is also a detrimental aspect because it places the user at risk of security breaches. It is important that you avoid unencrypted Wi-Fi networks and ask the hotel about its cyber security protocol before accessing free Wi-Fi networks.

Beware when using Internet cafes or free Wi-Fi hotspots in the city; however, if you must utilize the service it is essential that you avoid accessing personal accounts with sensitive data.

Disabling Auto-Connect

The majority of smartphones in the US present with a setting that allows the device to automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network when passing the connection on a daily basis.

While this can be a highly convenient and useful feature, particularly when used at home, it is not something that should be accessed when traveling.

Before traveling, it is advised that this setting is changed so that the device requires a manual connection each time you wish to access any internet network.

Minimizing Location Sharing

It is a common situation where travelers will update their social networking sites when moving from one country or city to another. This is an exciting aspect for people on the networks, but a problem with this excessive sharing is that it can create security threats.

By signaling your location at all times, you are making it easier for criminals to identify that you are not in your hotel room or at home; therefore leaving all your personal belongings in the building at risk of being stolen.

By restricting the amount of information posted online regarding your whereabouts, you will limit the threat to your personal belongings.

We all need to be more savvy in this area, hence teens are being taught it according to Barclay Simpson.

Cyber Security: Are you leaving yourself open?

Installation of Anti-Virus Protection

This is potentially one of the simplest and most effective means of protecting your personal information, company information, and remaining secure when traveling.

In addition to utilizing a trusted security brand, it is advised that you update the anti-virus software on a regular basis as new versions become available.

Updating Operating Systems

As with the anti-virus software, it is vital that you keep the device’s operating system as updated as possible.

This also refers to the apps on a smartphone; be sure to update the apps used most frequently as regularly as possible to ensure that there is no security threat when conducting personal or financial business.

Updating Passwords

If you plan on traveling, it is recommended that you change the passwords on all the devices you will be using.

Furthermore, if you need to create a PIN for a security box in a hotel room be sure that it is a unique PIN and not a code that is used regularly.

So there you have it, the seven most important tips for staying secure when on-the-move, especially the corporate travelers who are dealing with sensitive work data, in addition to their own personal data.

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