Technology has become a necessary part of our daily lives and a companion for travelers looking for convenience, connectivity, and security. Travelers rely on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and wearable devices to keep them entertained while away from home. However, travelers also need to do all they can to protect and prepare their devices before traveling.
1. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
You should keep your use of public Wi-Fi to a minimum. If it cannot be helped, then be sure to use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi to encrypt your data and shield your sensitive information from hackers. Try not to conduct financial transactions or access sensitive information on unsecured networks. Before heading off on your travels, research reputable VPNs here and sign up for one that meets your budget and requirements. It’s important to sign up for a VPN before you begin your travels so that you don’t experience any hiccups or hassles along the way. Beyond protecting your private data and financial information, VPNs can also come in handy when you need to stream your favorite shows or play games online that might not be accessible in the region you are visiting.
2. Only Carry What You Intend To Use
Having many gadgets is an advantage and they can come in handy at different times as they make your work easier while also keeping you entertained. It is not uncommon for a person to have two mobile devices, a tablet, and a laptop, but when traveling, is it necessary to pack all four? Instead, carry with you what you know will be essential for your journey to avoid carrying so many things that might end up being stolen or lost. If you are leaving any devices at home, ensure that you log out, switch off, and remove them from any power supply they may be connected to.
3. Backup Your Data
Make sure you back up all your important data which can include documents, contacts, and photos to the cloud. You can back up to cloud storage services like Google Drive, OpenDrive, and iCloud to ensure that even if you lose your devices, you will still be able to access your information from afar when traveling. For some documents, producing a digital copy upon request can be enough instead of moving around with originals, and also having backed-up copies can help speed up a replacement process if you lose the original.
4. Update Your Devices
Make sure that all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are up to date with the latest software updates and security patches. Keeping everything up to date helps with device performance and also protects your devices against security vulnerabilities. Updating your devices before you commence your travel will ensure that you are not inconvenienced when faced with poor or no internet connection.
5. Secure Your Devices
Use password protection on all your devices and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) that will work wherever you are going, to prevent unauthorized access. Without an international mobile plan, SMS-based 2FA might not work if you are leaving your home country, so you should have a contingency plan in place to avoid being inconvenienced. Set an alternate email for your most valued accounts which you will have access to during your travel. Some applications like Google and Microsoft will become automatically alert when you sign in from an unusual location and will require you to authenticate that you are the rightful owner of that account. If you are unable to respond to these additional security prompts, you will fail to access your accounts for the duration of your travel.
6. Check Your Settings for Additional Security
When you are not using your device, make sure that it is locked and adjust the settings so that it locks after a short while of inactivity. You should also consider adjusting your auto connect settings on your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so as not to get connected to unknown devices without your knowledge. If not in use, it is best to switch them off. Some hackers have resorted to installing booths with free and unsecured Wi-Fi access to attack unsuspecting travelers. You can also consider enabling tools like Find My iPhone (iOS) or Find My Device (Android) to track and remove information from your device if it gets lost.
7. Install Necessary Apps
Depending on your destination, you can download and install necessary travel apps such as maps, translation tools, and transportation apps, so that you will get around more easily. Make sure that your favorite apps offer offline modes so that access to important documents, maps, and travel information is not limited, especially if you’re traveling to a particularly remote place with a limited internet connection.
8. Pack Essential Accessories
Do not forget to pack the necessary tech accessories such as chargers, power banks, and surge protectors to keep your devices powered and functional throughout your travel. Carrying your own charging devices ensures secure charging connected directly to a power outlet. This will help you not to fall prey to malware infection by connecting to unfamiliar charging stations.
9. Mind Your Location Settings
Before you travel, check your settings to see if you are unintentionally giving the wrong people your location updates in pictures you might post on your social media accounts. Tagging your location might alert thieves that you are probably at the airport on your way somewhere and your home is free to be ransacked. Keeping your social media accounts private might be of help in protecting your information but it is not always foolproof.
10. Make Use of a Password Manager
Securing your accounts with strong and complex passwords is very important but it can be a challenge to remember all of them. Some people opt for other login alternatives like facial recognition or fingerprint login, which may be overridden by the password when a phone is reset. It is best to have a password manager like KeePass and Enpass, to mention but a few, installed in your phone so that you only need to remember the master password while the app manages everything else.
11. Emergency Contacts and Medical Information
Most of the time when we travel we do not think about our medical information and emergency contacts, unless it is required. You should store emergency contacts and any important medical information on your devices or in a secure app in case of emergencies during your travels. The information can come in handy at critical moments when your brain is too scattered to remember whom to contact or where you put your medical history. Storing the information on your devices ensures that it is only a few clicks away.
Conclusion
Following these tech tips before traveling ensures the safety and security of your devices and information, giving you more room to enjoy your journey.
