Every single day we hear news about a security breach that makes it to the front page. 

Due to pandemic, the cybersecurity division of corporations has gone vulnerable because people are forced to work from home without having the proper infrastructure that is required for safeguarding online privacy.

The upsurge in security breaches, individuals have been looking for ways to protect their online privacy and security. 

Today, traveling isn’t something that was used to be. You don’t just need clothes or a book, but you can‘t leave your home without your phone, laptop, or camera. 

That is the reason why travel safety tips are so important. Fortunately, there are some tips that will keep your digital identity safe while traveling. 

1. Beware of Public Wi-Fi

Whenever you travel abroad you will find public Wi-Fi’s in many different places. Whether it be airports, café, restaurants, malls, or other places, you find it convenient enough to connect to these Wi-Fi and use the internet. 

Public Wi-Fi’s are too risky to keep it short. Anyone with basic hacking knowledge can hack any device that is connected to public Wi-Fi.

Tourists are not aware of how risky it can become. Hackers can easily intercept communication between you and your friends and family. They can also get access to your banking details and within no time you will be left with no money in your account. 

If you desperately want to connect to a public Wi-Fi, then first use a VPN

2. Always Use a VPN

While traveling, you should always use a VPN because it completely protects your online privacy by routing your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. 

It hides your original IP address and assigns you with a different one so that nobody can track your current IP. 

Every hacking starts from an IP address. If they somehow track your IP, the chances of hacking your device become higher. A VPN software keeps hackers at bay and protects your devices from any kind of infiltration like viruses or malware. 

If you don’t intend to purchase a VPN, then get a VPN with a free trial so you can spend at least 30 days without having to bother about your online security. 

To use a VPN, simply connect to any server. Once connected, browse the internet safely or use social media accounts without a problem.

3. Do Not Use Bluetooth

Just like public Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is something that needs to be addressed. Whenever you’re connected to a Bluetooth, hackers can see the networks you had previously connected and trick you into connecting to hacker’s device.

Once you are connected to their device, all it needs is a malware that can steal your data and spy on your activities. 

To counter that, you need to swipe your Bluetooth history and always be careful whenever you connect. 

Mostly Bluetooth is used to share your data. Other tools and services can be used like Google Drive and others to securely share your data. 

4. Buy a Local Sim Card

The best way to protect your online privacy is to get yourself a local sim card on your phone. The reason why I say this is because there’s a growing trend where different cellular companies have international agreements with different countries to share a signaling system.

This system can be harmful to your online security because a skilled hacker can easily hack your phone. 

Having a local sim, hackers usually have to go through an extra step to monitor your information from a new number. 

Another good way to protect your online privacy is by using a disposable phone. It doesn’t cost much and they are safe to use. 

5. Create a Backup of your Data

There’s always a threat looming around of hacking and your information being stolen. So why not create a backup of your mobile or laptop to be on the safe side?

You can do that before you leave for your trip. If you’re an Android user, you can save contacts on Google Contacts or save photos on Google Photos. 

This step is to make sure that all your valuable data must be restored easily if it’s stolen. You can never take anything for granted. 

6. Set up Remote Security

If any bad luck prevails and your device gets stolen, you should be ready for it. As I said earlier, you must have created a backup of your data by now.

There’s one thing you must do as well. Create a password for your phone or laptop or lock your device. Then, set up software that can track your device or remotely lock your device. 

Apple, Window, and Android all offer this feature and you must avail. 

7. Avoid Using Online Bank Accounts

One of the worst things that could happen to you while traveling is to get your bank accounts hacked. You should bring either your credit card or debit cards.

Also, there’s no need to bring a full pouch of cash to go with. That’s not safe too. But never use online banking while traveling or specifically while you’re in public.

I just mentioned why you shouldn’t be connected to a public Wi-Fi, and if you are, then you mustn’t log in to your bank account. 

Don’t click on any links that pop-ups, always update your apps for the latest security updates, and clear your browsing once you’ve done browsing. 

Key Takeaways

After the pandemic, there’s a significant increase in cybersecurity breaches and hacking. That could seriously impact anyone who is planning a trip to another country.

Among the many travel tips that I have shared with you in this guide, the most important is to use a VPN. 

You never know what challenges await you in another country. It’s better to stay protected online than to be sorry otherwise. 

If there’s a budget issue, you can always use a free trial of a VPN instead of buying its yearly service.

You should also know that some countries have banned VPNs so you cannot install VPNs from there. So it’s important to get a VPN before you leave for a trip.