One of the best things you can do for your mind is to travel and explore the world. However, taking safety precautions is very important. Unfamiliar grounds can be very daunting, and it goes without saying that everyone needs to be careful on foreign soil.
It isn’t always the most pleasant experience to learn from your own mistakes. Online privacy is one thing that is taken very seriously in advanced countries. These travel tips will help you take control of your data while abroad and keep your information from lurking eyes.
These travel tips will also help you keep your data, credit card and smartphone information safe.
1. Turn off your Wi-Fi
When travelling, it is advisable to turn off your Wi-Fi and mobile data on your smart devices. Activated Wi-Fi will reveal your previously saved networks. Someone who means to get you can fake any of the networks and get you to connect to a rogue access point without your knowledge. Some of your apps will also send out unencrypted data that will make your information vulnerable to hackers. Turning off your Wi-Fi will also help you conserve battery space.
2. Install a gadget-finding app
In case you lose your phone or smart device, having an app like Prey installed will make it easy to find. It helps you track your device and it is easy to set up. The best part is that its free too. Make sure you already have it installed on your phone as a precaution in case the phone goes missing.
With a paid account, you will be able to get a faster report on the location of the missing device and remotely wipe passwords, emails and files. It offers a complete and secure data removal system. Browsing history, stored password and personal documents can be taken off remotely.
3. Look out for spam and scams
Treat emails about tax returns, awaiting payments, account verification or login details with caution. Do not ever trust unsolicited messages via email, SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage and other messaging apps. Be careful not to click on any links and attachments sent from an unknown source no matter how authentic it looks. Some known booking sources can be cloned too; you have to be very careful.
4. Use password locker
LastPass, Dashlane and OnePass are great apps to lock the complex or/and unique password you may have created. Be careful not to have the same emails for your accounts too. A password locker will also notify you when a breach occurs so that you can change your password.
5. Use safe websites
Be careful when visiting websites, especially new ones. Be very sure they are legitimate websites before posting your personal information there. Be on the lookout for spelling mistakes in website addresses and sites that do not use HTTPs. To know a safe site, check if it has the green lock in its URL and that the URL shows httpS – with the letter “s”.
6. Don’t trust a quick charge booth
Airport quick charge booths are very tempting, but the USB device does not just transfer power; it shares data too. The quick charge device may also be activated to read your device and get your data. A wall socket charge is a more advisable and safer charging option.
7. Let your bank know you are travelling
In the occasion where you are not sure how much cash you will need or you probably need to use your ATM abroad, it is important to clarify with your bank what the charges are and if you will be able to use your card. They can also give you some advice on how to spend and change money.
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