The summer season is often a time when business owners and their employees take a break from their daily routines to enjoy a well-earned holiday. Regrettably, research indicates that working remotely, whether it’s a quick check-in during a holiday, connecting to the internet at a local café, or even while on business trips, can lead to significant cybersecurity risks.
In this blog post, we will discuss the necessary cybersecurity measures you should take before and during any trip to protect your network from potential cyber threats.
The Importance of Cybersecurity While on Vacation
Cybersecurity may not be the first item on your vacation checklist, but neglecting it can transform your dream holiday into a nightmare. Cybercriminals are aware that summer is an ideal time to strike as people are more likely to lower their guard while on vacation. For most holiday-goers, the priority is to enjoy their time away from work rather than ensuring they’re adhering to cybersecurity protocols, making them an easy target for cyber threats.
Pre-Travel Measures:
To reduce the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are some best practices to share with anyone on your team who might connect to the internet while on vacation.
Data Backup
Ensure you have a backup of your data. If your device gets lost or damaged, you’ll need a copy of your data that can be restored.
Software Updates
Ensure your operating system software, web browsers, and apps are all updated to the latest version. Outdated software can compromise your device’s ability to defend against malware.
Device Protection
Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition feature. If you haven’t already, set this up before traveling. If you leave your device unattended and someone attempts to access it, they will have unrestricted access to your private information if it’s not locked.
Enable “Find My Phone”
This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it. It also enables you to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.
Measures While Traveling
Traveling exposes us to unique cybersecurity risks, making it crucial to take safety measures to protect our digital assets. Here are essential cybersecurity practices to follow while traveling:
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when you use public WiFi networks. Before you leave, set up a VPN on your devices and use it whenever you access the internet.
Avoid Public WiFi
While public WiFi offers convenience, these networks can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
Manage Location Services
Location tools are useful for navigating new places but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when you’re not actively using that feature, and consider limiting how you share your location on social media.
Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. This feature should be enabled for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving your house.
Disable Auto-Connect Features
Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. These features can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you know and trust.
However, it’s important to understand that these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure that your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s crucial to collaborate with MYDWARE IT Solutions Inc. who can monitor your network around the clock, patch any vulnerabilities that arise (which happens regularly), and alert you if something seems suspicious.
To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, contact us to schedule a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today.
