The year’s first long weekend is ahead.
Whether you’ll be spending it with your friends, family or alone away from home, there are certain things that are last on the list of things you want to worry about.
Device and data theft rates spike extremely high during holidays when people are away from home, relaxed, and their guard is down.
Alan from Increditools, a software and technology company, shares eight top tips to keep your devices and data secure while you’re travelling this Easter.
Before you leave:
- Keep your data safe
You should periodically be backing up your important data anyway - any storage device can be damaged or fail for other reasons. But before you travel, make sure you complete a backup of the devices you are planning to take with you (laptops, tablets, and phones). Backing up your phone to the cloud is especially handy if it is lost or stolen while away; it is then a relatively simple process to buy a new device and have all your data back on it in no time. Although having a device stolen is a real pain, you can make it less so by saving all your precious data.
Read more | Here’s how to protect your bank accounts from cybercriminals this festive season
- Make your accounts un-crackable
Make sure your passwords are not easy to guess and update any that are too simple. There are now many services that can tell you whether your password data has been stolen or lost through a data leak - take time to subscribe to such a service and change any passwords that it flags up as compromised.
- Double your account security
Set up 2-factopr authentication for your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
- Never forget a password
There is nothing worse than spending holiday time running through endless “I forgot my password” routines. A password manager can help you access your online services easily when you’re away. Using a password manager means you can easily use very complex passwords and not have to struggle to remember them all.
While you are away
- Protect against theft
Android and Apple devices both have facilities to track your device, so make sure you use this while you are away with your phone and tablet. If your device is lost or stolen, you can remotely wipe the data and then track its location. Wiping data is an excellent method of protection and is not a problem to recover when your device is found - provided you remembered to backup before you left, that is.
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- Encrypt your connection
Before accessing any public Wi-Fi networks, connect to a VPN to encrypt your internet connection. This prevents hackers from intercepting your data on insecure networks.
- Avoid spying eyes
Avoid using public computers or charging stations for sensitive activities, such as online banking or accessing personal accounts. These may be compromised and could be used to easily capture your data.
- Keep quiet on your socials
Avoid posting detailed travel plans or sharing your location in real time on social media platforms. This information can be used by cybercriminals to target you for theft or other malicious activities. By being a little more mindful when out and about, you can have a stress-free holiday, knowing that your data and devices are safe and secure.
