A category of technology users who are significantly exposed to the dangers of malicious campaigns are travelers. As long as they move from one place to another without using secure and private connections, the protection of their personal data and online accounts is threatened. As the travel season increases, the ESET gathered basic instructions for travelers to protect their personal information, accounts and devices.
1. Restrict third-party access to your devices. Always use
complex PINs and passwords για όλες τις ηλεκτρονικές σας συσκευές. Αν είναι δυνατόν, εγκαταστήστε μια λύση ασφαλείας, που σας επιτρέπει να διαχειρίζεστε απομακρυσμένα τη συσκευή σας και, σε περίπτωση theftς ή απώλειας, να την κλειδώσετε ή να την απενεργοποιήσετε από απόσταση. Προσπαθήστε επίσης να κρυπτογραφήσετε μονάδες αποθήκευσης όπως εξωτερικούς ή σκληρούς δίσκους και χρησιμοποιήστε USB Shield, ειδικά αν έχετε δανείσει τη μονάδα αποθήκευσης σε άλλα άτομα. Προσοχή χρειάζεται και στους σταθμούς loading USB , which you can usually find in airports and other public places.
2. Protect your data. Connecting to public networks carries risks, so it is first recommended to use a VPN service, which can increase the level of security when transferring data, even if there are unreliable connections. After logging out, delete the networks you were connected to. Don't forget to update your operating systems and apps and remember to turn it off Bluetooth and the WiFi of your devices if you are not using them. End, be careful when creating staff WiFi Hotspot with your mobile phone, use secure passwords and turn it off when you are no longer using it.
3. Enhance the authentication of your online accounts. Enabling 2FA certification can prevent potential intruders from compromising your account, so make sure you always use this feature. Check regularly for unusual movements in your bank and social media accounts and be on the lookout for security alerts. Do not hesitate to change your login credentials if you suspect that your accounts have been compromised by creating strong and unique passwords with the help of a special tool, Password Manager.
4. Protect your privacy, both before and during your trip. In many public networks Wi-Fi personal data is requested to allow the connection, e.g. one Email or even create a special account. The general rule is not to share your actual data and to maintain a separate account with an email address specifically for these occasions. Also check Privacy Policy about the use of data. Be careful with the information you post on social media as it can be used for malicious purposes. When cybercriminals know where you are at all times, they can use the information to contact your family to claim kidnapping or break into your home while it's empty. Posting photos of airline tickets, where all information and barcodes are visible, is also a very dangerous practice.
5. Protect your online shopping. Prefer to buy tickets and hotel reservations with credit instead of debit card, because if your credit card is stolen, it is much easier to report the incident and correct the situation than with a debit card, while in addition , you do not risk being in the middle of your trip with an empty bank account. Be careful when withdrawing money from ATMs and make sure that there are no easily removable parts in the card readers where you insert your bank card. If your card has a chip RFID, you can protect it with the special cover that blocks the signal.
6. Beware of scams especially for travelers. Travelers are common targets for scams with enticing travel offers sent in emails or displayed on social media feeds. To verify that these are indeed offers, check that the link you are clicking leads to an authentic website. If you need to send confidential information, make sure the connection is encrypted with HTTPS. Use other channels (phone or contact via verified social media profiles) to contact the operator, who allegedly prepared the offer, and verify that it is genuine. Finally, always use a strong security solution that can detect attempts implementationof malware on your computer.
