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

In this blog post, we’ll cover essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to keep your network secure from 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 attack because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. For most vacationers, the focus is on enjoying time out of the office instead of 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

1. Back Up Your Data: If your device gets lost or ruined, you’ll want a copy of your data available for restoration.
2. Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can weaken your device’s defenses against malware.
3. Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If you haven’t set this up yet, do so before traveling. Unlocked devices can give someone full access to your private information.
4. Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.

While Traveling

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, securing your data even on public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the internet.
2. Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi networks are hotspots for cybercriminal activity. Avoid using unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
3. Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigation but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and consider limiting how you share your location on social media.
4. 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 MFA for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving.
5. Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. This can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to trusted wireless and Bluetooth networks.

Relaxing on vacation should be a priority. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your device secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about dealing with cyber issues when you return to work.

However, these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s important to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities, and alert you to suspicious activity.

To prepare for your vacation and ensure your business remains secure while you or your employees work remotely, call us at 301-202-6521 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.