Summer's here, and the office is calling your name... but not in the way you think. It’s calling you to take a break, soak up some sun, and sip on a piña colada. But wait—before you activate that "Out of Office" email and hit the beach, there's something you need to know. Studies show that working outside the office—whether it’s a quick email check on vacation, connecting at a coffee shop, or handling business on a trip—can lead to some major cybersecurity snafus. Let’s make sure hackers don’t get to play in the sun with you!
In this blog post, we'll dive into the cybersecurity best practices you need before and during any trip to keep those digital sharks at bay.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
Cybersecurity might not top your vacation checklist, but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a digital disaster. Cybercriminals know summer is prime time for attacks because people are more likely to let their guard down. Don’t let your focus on fun turn you into an easy target for hackers.
Here’s a quick rundown of cybersecurity must-dos for anyone on your team connecting to the Internet while on vacation.
Before You Go: Prep Like a Pro
- Back Up Your Data: If your device ends up as a casualty of the great outdoors, you'll want your data safe and sound. Backup is your vacation insurance!
- Update Your Software: Make sure your OS, web browsers, and apps are all updated to the latest version. Outdated software is like leaving your front door open for malware.
- Protect Your Devices: Use a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition to lock your devices. An unlocked device is a hacker’s best friend.
- Enable "Find My Phone": This nifty feature lets you locate, lock, or wipe your device if it goes MIA.
While Traveling: Stay Cyber-Savvy
- Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe even on public WiFi. Set it up before you leave and use it religiously. Don’t know what this is? Then you should call us!
- Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi is a hacker hotspot. No VPN? No connecting. (Yes, even if it means no beachside email checks!)
- Manage Location Services: Turn off location services when not in use and limit sharing your whereabouts on social media. You don’t need the whole world knowing where you are.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It’s like having a bouncer for your digital life.
- Disable Auto-Connect: Turn off auto-connect features to avoid your device linking to untrusted networks. You wouldn’t blindly follow a stranger, so don’t let your device do it either.
Enjoy your vacation without the cyber worries. Taking these precautions helps keep your devices secure so you can fully relax.
But remember, these steps aren’t foolproof. To ensure top-notch cybersecurity, team up with a professional IT crew. We offer 24/7 network monitoring, vulnerability patches, and suspicious activity alerts, giving you peace of mind no matter where you are.
Need help preparing for your trip? Call us at 405-896-5464 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts. We’ll evaluate your current setup, spot vulnerabilities, and help you build a robust security plan. Happy travels and safe surfing!
