Vacations are about having fun and getting away, but these days we also want to stay connected. Chances are, you will want to check your email, access your bank and social media accounts, post vacation photos, and maybe even keep the kids entertained during long flights with online games. But if you’re like most consumers, you don’t have your mobile gadgets protected from device and data loss or even mobile malware. How would you feel if you lost all of your digital data? With these tips from McAfee, you won’t have to find out!
Given these threats, Vinoo Thomas, Product Manager, McAfee Labs recommends the following safety tips before and during your trip to ensure that your data, devices and family stay safe:
Before You Go:
1) Backup your data—This will ensure that you can retrieve your data, even if your mobile device is lost or stolen.
2) Install antivirus software on your device—Antivirus software is especially important since mobile malware is on the rise. Installing security can provide antivirus and anti-spyware protection, along with a host of other security features across all of your devices: computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
3) Use lock, locate and wipe software—This allows you to remotely lock and delete the information from your device in case it is lost or stolen, as well as locate your device. Software such as McAfee Mobile Security not only includes lock, locate, and wipe capabilities, but it also offers antivirus and anti-spyware protection.
4) Password-protect your device—This way a stranger cannot access the data if your device is lost or left unattended. It is advisable to use a random string of numbers, letters, and symbols rather than your birthday or something that can be easily guessed. You may also want to strengthen the security of your online passwords, especially for banking sites.
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5) Be prepared in case your phone is lost or stolen—Have the phone number or website of your carrier with you so you can report a lost or stolen phone and suspend your service if necessary. In some countries, such as the U.K., you need the IMEI number, or serial number of your phone, to file a report with the police. Check online for how to retrieve your IMEI number.
6) Let your family and close friends know when and where you are traveling and how to reach you. Unfortunately, cybercrooks can compromise your email account and send messages to your contacts as you.
7) Disable automatic connections. Make sure that your computer is not set up to automatically connect to any wireless networks within your range.
8) Consider a virtual private network (VPN) service—VPNs encrypt your data so that it cannot be intercepted by cybercrooks. With a VPN service you don’t have to worry about whether or not your hotel Wi-Fi is secure.
During Your Trip:
1. Be suspicious of connecting to free wireless hotspots—When visiting Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, hotels and cafes, keep in mind that criminals can set up free wireless access points (“free Wi-Fi”) and use software that’s readily available on the Internet to track your Web surfing and potentially steal information such as passwords and logins.
2. Turn off file sharing when you are on the road to prevent hackers from stealing sensitive data from your computer.
3. Logout of your accounts completely—If you have to use a shared computer at a hotel or cafe, make sure to logout of your accounts completely. This way, someone using the computer after you cannot access your personal information. Also, be aware that public computers often carry malware, so be cautious when using them and check to make sure that the computer you use has active and up-to-date security software on it before you log on. Even if it does have security, limit your exposure by only using it for the most basic tasks.
4. If you do mobile banking, make sure to download your bank’s official app—This way you know you’re visiting the right website each time, and not a copycat site. However, avoid saving your login credentials. If your device falls into the wrong hands, you don’t want someone logging into your financial accounts.
5. Make sure that the websites you visit are using a secure connection—This is especially important when you are on a shared computer or using a wireless network that may or may not be secure. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the web address instead of just “https://bsmedia.business-standard.com” since this indicates that the site uses encryption, which scrambles the information so that third party cannot read it. Also look for the padlock icon, which is another tip that the site uses a secure connection.
6. If your device starts acting strangely, avoid using it for online banking until you can get it checked out—You also want to avoid entering any personal information on the device until you know that it is free of viruses or spyware. If you think your computer, email or voicemail has been hacked, immediately change your passwords. If you fear that your financial details have been compromised, contact your account providers to make them aware of the situation.
7. Immediately report lost or stolen devices—Smartphones, tablets and laptops are great traveling companions, but they are easily lost or stolen, especially in airports. If you lose your device, report it to your carrier and activate your remote locate, lock and wipe software, if you have it. You may also want to file a report with local police or airport security in case your device is recovered.
8. Use safe search technology—This way you can avoid running into dangerous travel-related searches or websites. It might surprise you to learn that within the top 100 results of daily top search terms nearly 50 percent lead to malicious sites . A safe search tool such as McAfee SiteAdvisor® for computers and SiteAdvisor Mobile for Android devices can tell you if a site is safe to click on or not right in your search results.
9. Don’t post information about your trip on social networks—Seemingly innocent posts such as “We’re having a great time in Hawaii!” can land you in trouble if someone you’re connected with online decides to rob your home while you’re away. Although it’s fun to post pictures and information about your vacations, wait until you return home.
10. Consider parental protection software—This way your kids won’t come across inappropriate content or websites while using their devices on the road.
When You Return Home:
1. Download your pictures and videos—Transfer media from your camera and smartphone to your computer or an online backup service to keep them safe.
2. Check your privacy settings before posting your family photos and videos— If you plan to upload images to social networking sites like Facebook, make sure to check your privacy settings first to make sure that only people in your network can see them.
3. Check your credit cards and wireless statements for suspicious charges—Make sure that all the charges you incurred are accurate, and check to see if there are any charges that you do not recognize. If you see anything suspicious, immediately contact your account provider to determine if your account has been compromised.
By taking just a few precautions and staying aware of the threats, you can increase your safety while traveling. After all, vacations are supposed to be relaxing and the last thing you want to do is face the headache of having your sensitive data stolen or your devices infected.