Traveling is one of the most exciting and nerve-wracking things anyone can do. Although we all want to get away and enjoy exploring a new area: if you can’t do so intelligently, you’ll quickly find your information in peril.
These are some of the best ways to stay safe online while traveling away from home!
Use Public Wifi Safely
The most important thing you can do is be as careful as possible on public wifi. This means only joining networks as public networks and avoiding logging into networks that seem suspect. If you’re in a business and you see a wifi network popup with its name that says it’s available to guests: check with an employee to ensure it’s legitimate. Sometimes people trying to gain information on tourists will set their wifi or hotspot name as a company so that more people will join it.
Keep a VPN On At All Times
When out and about, keep a VPN on! A good VPN will ensure that you can surf the internet without your location or identity being given away. This extra layer of security can also allow you to post and appear like you’re still at home if anyone does an IP address lookup: which might save you from someone trying to break into your home or apartment if they find out you’re on vacation.
VPNs are getting cheaper every year, so it’s important that you make this investment as soon as possible. There are some free options, but these often come with advertisements.
Ensure Your Hotspot is Off
When you’re out and about, make sure your WIFI hotspot is turned off. This will stop anyone from possibly using your device to get online or possibly steal your information. Beyond that, hotspots generally rack of data use and will quickly drain your battery, which isn’t great when you’re out and about in a strange new city. To check if your hotspot is off, go into your phone’s cellular settings and ensure it doesn’t say it’s on.
If you do have to use your hotspot, take the time to set it as a private network, and give it a password, so nobody would guess. This will protect you in the long term and might give you the chance to get online that you wouldn’t have otherwise!
Keep Your Devices Within Sight
If you’re in any new areas: don’t allow your technology to ever leave your sight or touch. If you’re wearing your backpack on your back, and keeping your computer in it, consider buying a lock to keep it safe so nobody can simply reach up and steal your computer.
You should also be aware of any surfaces you set your phone on and who could have access to it when you’re not looking. Although More areas won’t be this risky, making the behavior your baseline will protect you in the long run.
You Can Travel Safely While Staying Online
There’s no reason to fear traveling as long as you can be smart while you do. Take the time to follow these tips, and enjoy your vacation away from home!
