Cybersecurity: How to protect your data while travelling

If you travel frequently with New York Car Service, whether for vacation or work, you need to pay attention to our cybersecurity tips. It is not always safe to use public Wi-Fi, hotels or restaurants, because criminals can access your data through a simple internet connection. The main tip is not to access bank sites, social networks, that is, everything that is very critical to you, as your data can be stolen and give you headaches.

Keep reading to better understand and protect your data while travelling!

Cybersecurity is already a big topic for the tourism and travel industry. GlobalData research identified growing concern among international airlines about cyberattack frequency.

Recent famous incidents, such as the massive leak of British Airways customer data in 2018, help to boost this perception and are already reverting to practical concerns.

Between January 2020 and November 2022, German Lufthansa and Wizz Air were among the leading airlines in hiring cybersecurity professionals.

Not only aviation companies worried about attacks, but also airport structure and air control operators.

In 2016 alone, the European Aviation Safety Agency detected 1,000 monthly cyberattacks on aviation systems. If even airport structures are not free from security breaches, what can travellers do to reduce virtual risks?

Tips for more data security while travelling

There are some precautions you can take. Cybercriminals target airports, bus stations and places with large tourist flows. 

These large public spaces are especially prone to scams. Hundreds to thousands of people walk past them daily, often unaware. 

Many of them need an outlet to charge a cell phone or use a wireless internet network. It is in these moments of need where scammers can take advantage of the opportunity, and it is in these moments that the precautions described below can be applied.

Keep your device with you at all times.

It doesn’t matter if someone asks for a favour and appears trustworthy: make sure you don’t use your cell phone, tablet or computer in a public space.

It may seem like superficial advice along the lines of “don’t take candy from strangers”. However, experienced scammers are effective precisely because they know how to exploit the vulnerabilities that a breach of trust can open.

Without borrowing a device, most scams and virtual crimes would not happen.

There are also cases of theft on trips. A tip is to keep your password on the lock screen and in the main applications. Here you can see a very complete article explaining how to protect your apps and bank access, in case your cell phone is stolen.

Another situation that seems common in a traveller’s daily life, but which must be avoided: charging your devices in places such as USB ports in public spaces. Criminals often corrupt these frameworks to compromise others’ devices. If you need to charge, prefer electrical outlets. Visit More Info about Att Email Login Issues and Solutions.

Check network information before connection

Using Wi-Fi in public spaces like cafes and hotels requires caution. Before connecting your cell phone or computer to one of these networks, it is advisable to confirm the name and password of the network with receptionists or other employees. Pay attention to the name on the screen.

Shared use requests can pop up and should never be accepted without ensuring they are necessary for network usage and not suspicious.  

As previously mentioned, airports are especially targeted by cybercriminals. Therefore, public wireless networks must be limited to emergencies or protected using some type of protection – as described in the next topic.

Digital security tools

If you use wireless networks in public places, hiring a VPN (virtual private network) service is a fundamental step to preserving privacy and digital security.

A VPN establishes a secure connection tunnel with private servers. In public networks, a VPN adds this “protective layer” to the Wi-Fi internet connection.

Some VPN and private connection services also allow connection over mesh networks, which is another secure and private remote communication alternative.

What is mesh networking? A mesh network allows direct connections between devices in an environment. This is instead of connecting them all first to a public or private network (VPN) and then to each other.

This connection without mediation makes file transfers, communications and sharing the same web server between machines faster and safer. Access to the mesh network can be configured and controlled to prevent undue intrusions.
Now tell us: have you ever experienced suspicious situations while travelling? We also want to leave a special warning for iOS users – always keep your Airdrop disabled while walking down the street, on a plane or in a restaurant.

Many people try to send suspicious files via airdrop and you might accidentally accept them. The most effective option is to disable it or to enable it only for contacts.