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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Traveling Securely


It’s not surprising that many cyber criminals target travelers. Luckily, with a little care it’s possible to protect yourself and avoid potential problems.

Avoid publicly posting details of where and when you’ll be traveling. When you reveal these specifics, you are providing information that could be used by criminals to target your home or your family while you’re gone.

Sending private posts and photos during your vacation to family and friends is ok, but if you post them publicly, you increase the risk of someone using that information for malicious activities.

Just as important as using discretion when posting is making sure your children and friends understand the risks associated with posting your vacation plans.

Do not use public computers and open wireless networks for sensitive online transactions. Wi-Fi spots in airports, hotels, coffee shops, and other public places can be convenient but they’re often not secure and can leave you at risk. If you’re accessing the Internet through an unsecured network, you should be aware that malicious individuals might be able to eavesdrop on your connection. This could allow them to steal your login credentials, financial information, or other sensitive information. Any public Wi-Fi should be considered “unsecure.”

Consider turning off features on your computer or mobile devices that allow you to automatically connect to Wi-Fi and other services such as social media websites. Also consider using a cellular 3G/4G connection as a hotspot, which is generally safer than an open Wi-Fi connection. If you do connect through your hotel’s Wi-Fi, verify the name of the Wi-Fi hotspot with hotel staff.

Recommendation:

Password protect your devices so if they are lost or stolen the information is protected; and enable device tracking.

Make sure your laptop and other mobile devices have the latest patches installed. Set your device to auto update.

Do not access sensitive accounts (e.g. banks, credit cards, etc.) or conduct sensitive transactions over public networks, including hotel and airport Wi-Fi and business centers, or Internet cafes. Use wired connections instead of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections, whenever possible.

Do not plug USB cables into public charging stations; only connect USB powered devices using the intended AC power adapter as USB cables can be used to siphon data off the device.

Donna Pogroszewski
Communications and Network Services
10/12/2016