Where is your data travelling to this summer?

Holiday season is just around the corner. With the list of tasks that need ticking off before leaving, have you considered your cybersecurity while you’re away? Social media posts, last minute work emails and children’s time on iPads are all part of our holidays. Making sure you have understood what could be risky and how you can protect you and your family will ensure a happy and cyber safe holiday, read on to find out more. 

Firstly ask your self, do you really need to connect?

Is anyone really interested in seeing your summer holiday pictures? Go old school and put away that device, you don’t need to be digital for the next week or two. Let your mind get a break and enjoy a digital detox…

If you are going digital follow these tips for safe cybersecurity:-

Download or complete the following on the devices you will be taking:

1. Update all devices to the latest version
2. Download Anti Virus
3. Get a Firewall application
4. Download a trusted VPN service
5. Be familiar with it – use it before you leave
6. Switch on auto connect so you are protected at all times
7. Disable trackers and ads
8. Enable, or hit the Kill switch if the VPN drops
9. Get a password manager and populate it – this is just good practice
10. Look at a Mobile Hotspot
11. Set-up a holiday, or temporary email account to safeguard you from spam and unwanted emails
12. Back up your devices before you go
13. Turn off remember my connection in your WiFi settings

Free WIFI

The proliferation of Free WiFi means that you cannot be sure what you are connecting to. You don’t know what you are connecting too. It’s easy to advertise a Free WiFi and these connections are sometimes used to harvest details and accounts.

Likewise, don’t trust the hotel WiFi it could be compromised, with a Man-in-the-Middle attack. A hacker could pose as the hotel WiFi and pass your details on, whilst collecting your important details.

Use that VPN, create a bypass for the local WiFi and keep that Firewall on.

Mobile phone advice

1. Ensure you have a six digit PIN or longer (don’t use the same digits such as 999999 and the like) if you can remember it.
2. Don’t use the shape unlock from Android if it’s available, it’s not as secure due to the visibility of the pattern from a distance
3. Insure your device, make sure that if lost you can replace it
4. Record the IMEI, Service Providers contact details and serial number of the phone
5. Ensure your phone has a remote wipe feature if stolen

Geolocation

1.  If you have maps enabled, make sure that they are protected and needed
2.  Don’t forget your Strava/Fitness apps too, don’t give away your location

Follow these tips to protect yourself and your family while on holiday and don’t forget to take a break from screens if you can… Happy holidays!