The holiday season is here again and it is time to secure your business devices.
Cybersecurity Travel Tips and Statistics
Cybersecurity protection can be more challenging while traveling. For example, the Ponemon Institute reports that over 600,000 laptops are lost or stolen at US airports yearly, with 65-69% remaining unclaimed. Understanding how to protect your personal and corporate information from cybercriminals while traveling is essential.
Cybersecurity Protection and What to Know Before You Travel
Preparing your computer before you travel is imperative to ensure you can recover quickly from lost or stolen devices. At work, your computer is protected by secure firewalls, backups, surge protectors, and more. However, traveling introduces new cybersecurity concerns if you do not do the following:
- Clear Your Browser Cache Files – have you ever noticed how slow your computer gets when traveling? It slows down because of the cache. Deleting the cache increases your website load time and improves the computer’s performance.
- Remove Saved Passwords –While Google Chrome makes it convenient to pull up passwords when needed, it also makes it easy for criminals to access every site where you have a login and password. Therefore, using a third-party software to save all your passwords is best.
- Protect All Devices by Using Strong Passwords – A strong password includes at least ten characters (the more, the better), a mix of both uppercase and lowercase letters, a combination of letters and numbers, and the inclusion of special characters like “! @ ? * #”.
- Store All Important Documents on The Company Drive – Back up your sensitive data, such as financial, legal, client, or personal information, on the corporate drive to remain secure and safe while traveling.
- Remove Sensitive Data – You will still need your data while offline, and the best way to access it is on an encrypted thumb drive.
- Disable Remote Connectivity – Leaving your Bluetooth, wi-fi, and file-sharing can be dangerous as hackers can exploit the technology to access private information, spread malicious software, and more.
If you take these precautions BEFORE you travel, you won’t have to worry as much if you find your laptop missing.
Cybersecurity Protection is Possible While Traveling
Although you have done everything necessary to protect your data while traveling, taking extra precautions when you settle into your hotel is essential. We suggest you do the following travel cybersecurity prevention steps:
- Connect to VPN – Hotel WIFIs are less secure for business travelers than most people think – even with passwords. This is because the hotel is not in the IT business; but in the hospitality business. Therefore, if you must keep your information private, use your company VPN. A VPN allows you to send and receive data without going over the public Internet.
- Lock Devices When Unattended – Lock or schedule automated time-outs in the Windows settings when you travel. Otherwise, you are leaving yourself wide open to hackers.
Top Marietta and Atlanta MSP gives Final IT Tips
Cybercriminals are more sophisticated than ever before. They often seek out unwilling victims in hospitality to exploit. Therefore, while it may seem like a hassle, these simple rules will protect your data from loss, theft, or cybercriminals. Take the time now to protect against cybersecurity threats for travel.
About INSI: The Best MSP in Atlanta!
Innovative Network Systems, Inc. has a unique approach to integrating IT support and cybersecurity. Our month-to-month programs range from basic support to proactive support, managed support, and customized support. Each program is tailored to the client’s needs and internal IT strengths.
For more information about cybersecurity dangers and the preventative measures for your company, connect with the top MSP in Atlanta; Contact INSI: 770-387-2424, option 2 or click the link below. In addition, we offer 16 different cybersecurity programs to protect you and your data.
About the Author
Deborah Frazier is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets – A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With nearly 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and want to be notified when a new article is posted, click here.
