Technology has aided the world of travel, making us better equipped, allowing us to plan trips at the click of a button and showing us places or attractions we never would have discovered without its help. However, as technology got smarter, so did the scams and the common criminals prying off our technology usage and vulnerability overseas.
To help prepare you and keep you secure on your travels, we’ve put together some of our top dos and don’ts to keep you and your data safe, wherever you may be.
Open & Public WiFi Networks (DON’T)
Public WiFi, internet cafes and free hotspots all seem super appealing when you’re travelling, especially for business or leisure, but the reality is that these unencrypted networks are something to avoid.
These types of networks are dangerous because they make your device vulnerable to data leaks and security issues. Once connected to open WiFi, you have unknowingly consented to your internet traffic being exposed over a public network, this includes your passwords, browsing sites and other personal data.
Often hostels and hotels provide unencrypted networks for their guests and so it is vital that you double check the WiFi protocol before connecting, especially in tourist spots where assailants are more likely to be a threat. Make sure where you are staying has adequate data protection policies and practices in place before connecting.
Automatic WiFi & Bluetooth Connectivity (DON’T)
Most smartphones or devices have an auto connect feature that automatically connects your device to nearby networks, this works for both WiFi and Bluetooth connections. This might be a great feature at home, however, when abroad this stands as a great hazard. It can allow nearby assailants being able to connect to your device, attempting to hack into it and potentially sell your personal data.
Although this isn’t too common, it is still key to switch off this automatic feature before travelling abroad, so your device can only connect to WiFi or Bluetooth connections manually.
For Apple users this can be easily done, by visiting settings > WiFi > Ask to join networks > Ask and for Bluetooth simply turn the toggle off.
L
ocation Services (DON’T)
Sharing your location all day whether this be via social media posts or other location services can allow intruders to know where you are and at what times. By posting on Instagram stories for example and adding your location at that exact time notifies viewers that you’re not at your hotel or hostel. To be safer, it is best to upload these stories or posts later when you’re not actively at that location to prevent someone taking your belongings from your room.
If you wanted to turn off your location preferences for specific apps that you know you will be actively using on your travels, you can do this in the location services section of settings and select from the list which ones to switch off to suit your comfortability.
Purchasing a Dataroam SIM Card (DO)
Don’t get caught up in roaming fees that could cost you thousands of dollars.
Don’t put your phone on airplane mode the whole trip and miss out on capturing some of your best moments.
Don’t connect to open WiFi spots and risk your data being breached.
Do grab a Dataroam SIM card to get cost effective, lightning fast and easy to use data on your travels! Unlike open WiFi connections and hotspots abroad, mobile data connections are encrypted, keeping you safe and secure by adding an extra level of security from outside threats.