During the summer months, it is common for business owners and employees to take time away from the office for a well-deserved vacation. While it may be tempting to check in on work while traveling, studies have shown that working outside of the office can pose cybersecurity risks. Whether it be checking in on emails during vacation or accessing network documents in public places, such as airports or hotel lobbies, it is so important to implement strong cybersecurity practices to protect the company’s network from potential hackers.
In this blog post, we will discuss the necessary cybersecurity best practices to implement before and during your trip to ensure the security of your network.
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 horrible nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is a prime time to attack because people are more than likely to let their guard down while on vacation. For most vacationers, the focus is on enjoying the time out of the office, instead of ensuring they’re following cybersecurity best practices, making them an easy target 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, be sure to:
- Back up your data – If your device gets lost or ruined, you’ll want a copy of your data available to be restored.
- Update your software – Make sure your operating system software, web browsers and apps have all been updated to the latest version. Outdated software can impact your device’s ability to defend against malware.
- Protect your devices – You should always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint or facial recognition feature, but if you don’t already, set this up before traveling. If you leave your device unattended and someone attempts to access it, they will have full access to your private information, especially if it is not locked.
- Enable “Find My Phone” – This feature will allow you to locate your device if you lose it, but it also 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) – We’ve mentioned this before! A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when you use public WiFi networks. Before you leave, set up a VPN on your devices and use it whenever you access the Internet.
- Don’t connect to public WiFi – While public WiFi offers convenience and is tempting to utilize, these networks can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your e-mail 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 that feature, 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. This feature should be enabled for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving your house.
- 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 you keep your device secure so you can enjoy your time off and don’t have to worry about dealing with cyber issues when you get back to work.
Although these steps can enhance your company's cybersecurity, it is important to note that they are not foolproof. To ensure that your cybersecurity measures meet industry standards, it is crucial to collaborate and work closely with a skilled IT team. They can provide 24/7 monitoring of your network, promptly addressing any vulnerabilities that may arise (a common occurrence), and promptly notifying you of any suspicious activities.
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: 201.402.1900 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll be sure to evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep you and your company safe!