Summer is a prime time for business owners and employees to take a well-deserved break. Even with an “out of office” email responder active, many people still check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, working outside the office—whether it’s a quick email check on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or business travelers on work trips—can lead to significant cybersecurity risks. If you or your employees will be handling urgent emails from the airport or accessing network documents in the hotel lobby, it’s crucial to follow strong cybersecurity practices to avoid exposing the company’s network to nearby hackers.

Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling

Cybersecurity might not be at the top of your vacation checklist but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is a prime time to strike because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. For most vacationers, the focus is on enjoying time away from the office rather than ensuring they’re following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.

To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet while on vacation.

Before you go:

  • Back Up Your Data: If your device gets lost or damaged, you’ll want a copy of your data available to restore.
  • Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device’s ability to defend against malware.
  • Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition feature. Set this up before traveling to prevent unauthorized access if your device is left unattended.
  • Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to find your device if you lose it and gives you the power to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.

While traveling:

  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when using public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
  • Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi offers convenience but can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
  • Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigating new places but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
  • Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable this feature for all accounts with sensitive information before leaving home.
  • Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically look for and connect to available wireless networks. These features can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you know and trust.

You should be able to relax on vacation. Taking these simple precautions can help you keep your device secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.

However, it’s important to know that these steps aren’t fail-proof. To truly ensure that your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s essential to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch any vulnerabilities that pop up (which happens regularly), and alert you if something seems suspicious.

To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, call us at 502-493-0811 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, find potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.