Intern’s Corner- Taking Care of your Digital Hygiene over the Summer
If you have summer travel plans, picture yourself waiting at a bus stop, train station, airport, or hotel. With a few minutes to spare, you decide to quickly check your bank account, apply for a job, or shop online before heading out. It might seem harmless, but you may have already made a critical mistake.
As we step into the summer, it is easy to overlook digital hygiene and security, especially on vacations. It is important to recognize that these vacations present prime opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit our laziness and lapses in cybersecurity. Maintaining strong and secure habits while on the road or overseas is essential to protecting you, your family, and your data.
According to FCM, 20% of travelers are victims of cybercrime when abroad. In other words, one person in your plane row, bus row, car, or cafe table will face a cyberattack when traveling.
By staying vigilant, observant, and following simple precautions, you significantly reduce your risk of a cyberattack. Have a great summer by following these DOs and DO NOTs:
DO:
1.Update systems and applications
- Uses most current security patches
- Minimizes vulnerabilities
2.Utilize multi-factor authentication
- Adds extra layer of security that is necessary for account/service access
3.Employ Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Encrypts your traffic
- Protects data from virtual eavesdropping
4.Back up and secure sensitive data
- Ensures recoverability of data if device is lost, compromised, or stolen
5.Monitor accounts and systems for irregularities
- Catch irregularities early and report them when necessary
6.Disable location sharing for unnecessary applications
- Reduces others’ ability to see your location even if you do not publicly share it
7.(If abroad) Study the country’s laws concerning data privacy
- Additionally, consult cybersecurity professionals and/or your company policies for specific guidance
8.Use throwaway accounts if you must
- If you must use a public use computer or network without protection, use a pre-created email or service account that you do not mind never using after that instance
9.Disable Bluetooth connectivity
- Hackers can easily connect to your phone and gain access to your device
10.Utilize privacy screens on your laptop display
- This ensures wandering eyes will not identify and gather data on your screen
11.Inform banks and credit card companies of your future travel
- This ensures your financials are secure and usable, especially when abroad, you ensure a financial safety net
12.Review removable media for malware, unauthorized access, corruption, etc.)
- Execute this process when you have returned home, and before you use this media with your devices
DO NOT:
1.Use public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive transactions
- These networks can be easily spoofed or monitored
2.Advertise travel on social media in real time
- Creates a target for your home and property for burglary/theft/etc.
3.Abandon devices in public, even momentarily
- Reduce your risk of device and data theft
- Lock your device EVERY time you leave it
4.Auto-connect to unknown networks
- This feature connects your device to unsafe networks without your knowledge
5.Ignore software updates
- Leaves your device vulnerable to exploits
6.Use public charging stations
- Allows possibility of sensitive data transfers
7.Accept forms of free merchandise
- At many conferences you may receive free flash drives, although, these should be approached cautiously because they may be malicious
Most individuals do not realize how imperative it is to maintain these precautions when traveling. These are the times we are most at risk for cyber threats, however, the most cyber-relaxed.
Endnotes:
https://cdt.org/insights/protecting-electronic-devices-when-crossing-u-s-borders/
https://www.security.org/digital-safety/cyber-security-tips/
https://www.reviews.org/internet-service/how-to-stay-safe-online/
https://innovationatwork.ieee.org/15-tips-to-help-protect-against-cyber-attacks-while-traveling/
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cybersecurity-tips-international-travelers
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