Stay Cyber-Safe While Traveling During the Holidays
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As holiday travel ramps up, cybercriminals are on high alert, targeting distracted travelers who may neglect their digital security. Risks like phishing attacks, unsecured public Wi-Fi, and misplaced devices can easily jeopardize your personal data. Even more concerning, when employees travel, lapses in cybersecurity can expose entire organizations to serious threats.
A recent report from World Travel Protection highlights that only 30% of companies enforce basic cybersecurity protocols for employees on the road. This lack of safeguards leaves businesses vulnerable to significant risks. To protect yourself and your company during this busy travel season, follow these practical cybersecurity tips.
Don’t let a security breach disrupt your trip. By implementing a few key practices, you can keep your devices and sensitive information safe.
Before You Travel
- Update Your Devices: Ensure your devices have the latest updates, which often include critical security patches.
- Back Up Your Data: Save important files to a secure cloud-based platform or external drive in case your device is lost or stolen.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): This extra security layer ensures your accounts are safe even if passwords are compromised.
- Limit Access to Sensitive Data: Remove unnecessary files or applications to minimize exposure in case of a security incident.
- Encrypt Your Devices: Use encryption to safeguard your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users.
While You’re Traveling
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Public networks are a hotbed for hackers. If you must connect, use a VPN to encrypt your online activity.
- Be Wary of Public Chargers: Public USB stations may be compromised, a tactic known as "juice jacking." Always plug into an outlet or use a USB data blocker.
- Keep Devices Secured: Never leave your devices unattended, and consider using physical locks when storing them in hotel rooms.
- Turn Off Bluetooth: Disable Bluetooth when not in use to prevent unauthorized access to your devices.
- Stay Alert Online: Be cautious of phishing emails, fake shopping sites, and other scams targeting holiday travelers. Verify the sender before sharing any information or clicking links.
By staying proactive, you can enjoy your holiday travels without worrying about the security of your devices or data. Protect yourself and your business by prioritizing cybersecurity every step of the way.
Catch of the Month: Charity Scams
Scammers create convincing email campaigns or social media posts that appear to come from reputable charities or disaster relief funds. They may use cloned websites with slight name variations to make the deception harder to spot. For instance, an email might claim to be raising funds for a recent natural disaster or local community project, directing victims to fraudulent donation platforms where the money is stolen.
How to Defend Yourself:
- Stick to Trusted Sources: Donate directly through established charity websites or well-known platforms.
- Verify New Charities: Use resources like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance to confirm the legitimacy of unfamiliar organizations.
- Beware of Unsolicited Requests: Be cautious of unexpected donation requests via email, phone, or social media. Take time to verify their authenticity before contributing.
- Examine the Details: Watch for subtle red flags, like misspelled charity names or email domains that don’t match the official organization.
By staying vigilant and knowing how to verify charities, you can ensure your generosity makes a positive impact—and not end up in the hands of scammers.
Source: https://www.acamstoday.org/holiday-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2024/
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