Tips to stay cybersecure while traveling this summer

Tuesday 05/30/2023

The summer months are usually a time to let all the worries of the school year drift away. However, it is important to always remain vigilant about your security online. You may be traveling, making new purchases or accessing your personal digital accounts on unfamiliar devices. Here are a few tips on how you can stay secure while enjoying your vacation. 

  1. Do not save your password on devices that are not yours 
    While on vacation, you might be surfing the internet on unfamiliar devices and networks. Be sure to fully log out of any accounts you log onto while on a device that is not yours, and do not save your passwords. This will ensure your login information does not end up in the wrong hands. 
  2. Keep devices up to date 
    It is easy to ignore those update notifications while your mind is elsewhere. But vacations usually come with plenty of downtime. Use some of that time to keep your devices up to date with the latest cybersecure software. Most devices allow you to enable automatic updates to make your life even easier. 
  3. Share sparingly on social media 
    Taking pictures is a big part of recording your adventures, but consider waiting until after your vacation to post. Scammers could take note of your location and try to target you and your family members.  
  4. Book with verified travel websites 
    Many websites may offer you the best deals on flights, excursions and hotels, but be cautious. If you are considering entering your financial information into any website, make sure the site is authenticated first. Do this by confirming the URL starts with https:// and not http://. Websites that begin with https:// are HTTP secure. Do not give out any personally identifiable information, like your social security or banking account numbers, to unverified travel websites. 
  5. Keep an eye on your bank account 
    Vacations can bring with them a lot of forgettable transactions, but be sure to monitor your account activity frequently. If you suspect your fraud on any of your financial accounts, reach out to your financial institution immediately.  

Summer is a time to have fun and relax. You will rest even easier knowing that your digital life is safe, too.