Summer is a popular time for business owners and employees to step out of the office and take a well-deserved vacation. Even with "out of office" email responders activated, many people still check in on work periodically while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside the office—whether it's a few simple check-ins on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or even business travelers on work trips—can lead to significant cybersecurity issues. If you or your employees plan to answer urgent emails from the airport or access network documents in the hotel lobby, it's essential to adhere to strong cybersecurity best practices to avoid exposing the company's network to nearby hackers.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the necessary 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 away from the office instead of 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 share 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 for restoration.
- Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are all 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 Outdated software can compromise your device's ability to defend against malware.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. If you don't already do this, set it up before traveling. An unlocked device can give someone full access to your private information if left unattended.
- Enable "Find My Phone": This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it, and it also lets you 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: While public WiFi offers convenience, these networks 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 you're not actively using them, and consider limiting 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 containing sensitive information before leaving home.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek 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 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 crucial to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch any vulnerabilities that arise (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 410-535-4332 or click here to schedule a FREE consult 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.
