Don’t Let Cyberthreats Ruin Your Summer Vacation

Summer’s here, and it’s time for those epic road trips, beach vacations, and spontaneous getaways!  While you’re busy soaking up the sun and snapping pics for the “gram,” hackers are on the lookout for travelers who might let their digital guard down.  Don’t let cyberthreats ruin your summer fun.  Keep your things safe while you’re out there making memories.
 

Before You Hit the Road

Update All Devices:  Just like you pack your sunscreen, make sure your devices are up to date because that is how you get security patches installed to keep hackers at bay.

Back Up Your Data:  Imagine losing all your vacation photos!  Back up your data to the cloud so you can recover everything if your device goes MIA.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):  MFA is like having a secret handshake for your accounts.  Even if someone gets your password, they get nowhere without that extra step.

Restrict Access to Sensitive Data:  If you don’t need certain files or devices on your trip, leave them behind.  Less means fewer worries all around.

Secure Your Devices:  Password-protect and encrypt your devices.  Like locking your suitcase… don’t leave it open for anyone to rummage through!
 

While You’re Traveling

Avoid Public Wi-Fi:  Public Wi-Fi is like a public pool—you never know what’s lurking.  Use a VPN to keep your internet traffic secure.

Be Cautious of Public Charging Stations:  Ever heard of “juice jacking”?  It’s when hackers use public USB ports to steal your data.  Stick to your own charger or use a USB data blocker.

Never Leave Devices Unattended:  Keep your gadgets close, whether you’re at the beach or a café.  If you must leave them behind, lock them up safely.

Disable Bluetooth:  Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it.  Hackers can use open connections to access your devices.

Pay Attention to Online Activity:  Summer sales are great, but watch out for phishing scams. Double-check emails and links before clicking.
 

When You Get Back Home

Review Account Activity:  Check your accounts for any unusual activity.  Better safe than sorry!

Change Passwords:  If you accessed sensitive info while traveling, change your passwords when you get home.  It’s a good habit to keep things secure.
 

For Business Travelers

Security Policy:  If you’re mixing business with pleasure this summer, make sure your company has a travel cybersecurity policy.  It should cover using public networks safely, reporting lost or stolen devices, and how to respond to security incidents.

Use a Dedicated Work Device:  If possible, use a separate device for work.  This way, if your personal device is compromised, your work data remains safe.

Secure Your Work Email:  Use encrypted communication tools for work-related calls and messages.  This ensures that sensitive business information stays private.

Beware of Shoulder Surfing:  When working in public places, be aware of your surroundings.  Use a privacy screen on your laptop to prevent prying eyes from seeing sensitive information.

Regularly Update the Home Office:  Keep your company informed about your travel plans and any potential security issues.  This helps them stay prepared and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
 
Follow these tips so you can enjoy summer adventures without worrying about cyberthreats.  Stay safe and have fun out there!

Contact IT Radix for more ways to stay safe this summer.

First published in our June 2025 IT Radix Resource newsletter