Protecting Your Information While Overseas

Travelers are always targets for thieves, whether it’s a pickpocket or a hacker. While people are aware of protecting their wallet abroad, many are woefully unprepared for digital intrusions. Follow these tips to make sure your online life is as secure as possible.

Get an International SIM

Cell networks are much harder to break into than WiFi. If your phone is unlocked, you can purchase a pay-as-you-go SIM to access cell towers, but keep in mind data can get expensive.

Avoid Public Computers

Internet cafés used to be vital for tech-minded travelers, but today they should be used as a last resort. Even if it’s a hostel computer, it’s doubtful management is doing virus scans or checking for unknown software. It’s not uncommon for accounts to be hacked with the aid of a key-logging program.

Secure Public WiFi

Use incognito mode and two-factor authentication so you’re the only one who gets access to your accounts and nothing gets recorded. If privacy is your concern, purchasing a VPN means no one will see what you’re doing, even the provider as long as they don’t log your activity. If you need to email or message an attachment to someone right in front of you, use a USB stick to minimize your contact with public WiFi.

Accessing Personal Information

When you are on the internet, make sure the site is encrypted by looking for the https and lock sign. For visiting unencrypted sites, the HTTPS Everywhere browser extension will provide a secure tunnel for you. Password managers are also a good idea as an extra layer of security.

Protect Your Hardware

Your laptop and phone itself should also be encrypted. Thankfully there’s already an option on your devices to turn that on. Fingerprint scanners and device locators like Find My iPhone are also useful in case of theft.