Protecting your data while travelling

As we approach the festive season filled with excitement for the upcoming celebrations and travels! In the spirit of
the season, I’d like to take a moment to highlight the importance of safeguarding your personal data during this busy time.

1. Steer Clear of Public Wi-Fi: While it may be tempting to connect to public Wi-Fi, I strongly advise against it, as it can expose your data to potential risks. Opt for your mobile data instead for a more secure connection, or if your mobile phone supports e-SIM, consider using e-SIM. Please reach out to me for recommended e-SIM providers.
2. Back Up Your Devices: Before you embark on your festive travels, please remember to back up your devices. This precaution will help protect your information in case your devices are misplaced or lost during your journey.
3. Handle Luggage Tags and Boarding Passes with Care: It’s crucial to treat your luggage tags and boarding passes with caution. Each barcode contains personal information, so I recommend bringing them home and using a VOID stamp to render the barcode useless before disposal.
4. Utilise a VPN: To keep your online activities secure, consider using a reputable VPN service, particularly when accessing sensitive information or making financial transactions while travelling.
5. Safeguard Your Personal Documents: To prevent RFID theft, think about using RFID-blocking sleeves or wallets for your credit cards and passports while you’re out and about.
6. Be Aware of Holiday Scams: As the festive season approaches, be vigilant against common scams, such as phishing emails and fraudulent websites. Always verify the source before clicking on links or providing personal information. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
7. Thoughtful Gift-Giving: When purchasing presents for your loved ones, exercise caution, especially with Internet of Things (IoT) devices. While they can be exciting gifts, they often come with security vulnerabilities. Consider opting for traditional gifts or ensuring that any tech items you choose have robust security features and privacy settings.
8. Password Management: Ensure your online accounts are secure by using strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to help keep track of them.
9. Keep Devices Updated: Before you travel, make sure your devices are updated with the latest security patches and software updates to protect against vulnerabilities.