Protecting Online Privacy While Traveling

Traveling can be an exciting time for many families but it is also a time when many online users make mistakes when protecting their online privacy. While some users opt to disconnect when vacationing, many users enjoy sharing their moments with their friends or using their devices to navigate their vacation. This article explores steps that can be taken to protect your online privacy while browsing.

Steps to protect online privacy while traveling:​

Secure your device​

Keeping your device secure while on vacation is vital to protecting your online privacy. While opting to leave your device in your hotel room it is recommended to turn off your device and lock it in your luggage bag. If you must keep your device on then ensure you have excited to a lock screen on the device.

Another aspect of keeping your device secure is having a strong password. No one has their device stolen on purpose so having a strong password is often the final line of defense in keeping one's device safe. It is also recommended to use 2FA when available.

Purchase waterproof phone pouches so you can take your phone with you into the water and avoid potential theft. It is common for beachgoers to keep their phones in their bag on the beach and criminals know this.

Avoid using public computers​

Public computers are not safe to use to access websites that require you to log in. The risk with public computers is hackers may have installed key loggers for the purpose of stealing your login credentials.

If you must use a public computer then only use it for casual browsing such as researching events or checking scores. Do not log into any website using a public computer or device of any type.

Do not plug in your phone to public chargers​

Public chargers can be comprised with malware and plugging in could transfer that malware to your computer. A better job is to carry a mobile charger with you so that you may plugin to a secure charger.

In some cases other devices are fixed near public chargers in hope that users plug into the harmful device. These devices can not only install malware but also download files from your device.

Be careful with public Wi-Fi​

Most websites will tell you not to use public Wi-Fi but isn't often feasible so our approach is how to safely use it. If you can use your phone as a hotspot then that is the recommended option versus using a public network.

If you must use a public network then our recommendation is to validate any wireless you are joining. If you are going to join a hotel network then validate the name of the network matches what the hotel gave you. Airport wireless networks are posted so validate the network you are joining is the network listed throughout the airport.

Watch for phishing attacks​

Online hackers will use geolocation to determine you are on a vacation spot and display messages in an attempt to steal your information. For example, displaying make ads advertising good pricing for theme park tickets in an attempt to steal users credit cards.

One way to protect yourself from phishing attacks is to make sure you are using an updated anti-virus protection program. The combination of safe online practices and an updated anti-virus program are critical to protecting one's self from phishing attacks.

Use a VPN​

One of the most important things you can do is use a VPN to secure your connection. A VPN will not only encrypt you connection but will also hide your real IP address online. We recommend using NordVPN on all your devices while traveling. NordVPN offers software that will run on almost any device you could possible use.

Online users have gotten better at using VPNs on personal computers but tend to forget to use a VPN on their mobile phone. If you plan to connect your mobile phone to your hotel or any other network then you need to use a VPN to secure your connection.

Keep in mind that your vacation destination may not have the signal strength you are use to so connecting to public wireless is likely the only option. NordVPN offers software for both Apple iOS and Google Android operating systems. NordVPN also has thousands of servers world wide that will keep your connection running fast.

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