Warmer weather means vacation season is right around the corner. While it is refreshing to disconnect from the virtual world, it can also be difficult to let go of work, e-mail and social media. Therefore, it is important to be smart and safeguard your information when using technology on vacation. Whether you are a business professional, retiree or a student out of school for the summer, check out these tips for safely using technology while away from home.
Public Computers
Publicly-accessible computers are everywhere. Libraries, internet cafes, copy shops and even hotel business centers have public computers where you can check e-mail, browse the internet and print documents. Unfortunately, many of these public computers are not safe to use. The computer could be set to collect information that you enter into it, or even take screenshots periodically without your knowledge.
When using a public computer:
- Never enter sensitive information (credit card number, name, home address, etc). This means do not visit banking sites, PayPal, online shopping, etc.
- Never enter login information (username/password) on a public computer. This includes e-mail.
- If you do visit a public computer and absolutely must enter login information, change your password as soon as possible on a different, secure device that you know to be safe.
Only use public computers for casual browsing or not at all. Save sensitive work for home.
Social Media
It is increasingly more common for thieves to browse social media to find potential victims who are "tweeting" about going on vacations and performing check-ins or location-based updates. Here are a few recommendations, including some tips from Nationwide Insurance, to avoid such a scenario:
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Wait until you return to brag about your vacation. Avoid posting vacation or travel plans and ensure your children and family members take the same precautions.
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Avoid revealing hashtags, location check-ins and photos that include geographic location information (geotagging).
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Check your privacy settings on Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, etc. Are your posts easily accessible to people you do not know?
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Update your privacy settings to prevent tagged photos and posts from automatically appearing on your timeline until you approve these tags after you return from vacation.
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Do not post pictures of expensive purchases or cash.
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Do not grant "friend" access to people you don't already know and trust.
- Do not post a photo of your boarding pass. It contains personal information in the bar code.
Public WiFi
If you are using your own computer or tablet to connect to an open WiFi hotspot, like at a Starbucks or an airport, you should take the same precautions to protect yourself just as you would when using a public computer. When using public WiFi:
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Do not access or send sensitive information over the internet.
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Be careful to which WiFi hotspot you connect. If you are not sure which hotspot belongs to the building or business you are visiting, ask.
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Ensure your virus protection is working and your firewall is activated.
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hoose secure connections to webpages whenever possible. Look for the padlock icon in your browser window along with the letters "https" at the front of the web address. When you see these letters, it means the information you enter will be sent securely to the website to which you are accessing. Do not log into any websites over WiFi that do not start with https!
Mobile Devices
Most of us travel with our own personal computing devices now - smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc. Here are some tips to secure them while away:
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Keep your devices locked with a passcode or password - the stronger the better.
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Know how to automatically wipe or lock your phone or tablet if it's stolen or lost.
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When leaving your hotel room, store electronics in your safe.
While I hope that you will be able to disconnect from the virtual world while on vacation, I know that most of us cannot do that. Therefore, it is smart to be safe when using the internet in unfamiliar places. Keep these tips in mind when you travel and hopefully you will have a hassle-free, relaxing trip.
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