Author: WilsonWest

Traveling with data can be quite risky nowadays. There are lots of hackers who can steal your information while you are using the public network or charging your smartphone/laptop, etc. Even border agents, who just do their job, might accidentally invade your privacy. Let’s get to know how you can secure your data when traveling.

Five tips to help you secure your data when traveling

• Use a reliable VPN provider.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is almost inevitable when traveling. They are everywhere: hotels, shops, cafes, etc. That’s why you should be proactive and buy services from a trustworthy VPN provider. Using its app, you’ll be able to have an encrypted connection, complete anonymity, and an extra layer of protection from hackers.

• Don’t use public USB charging stations.

Charging station in the train stations and airports have probably been tempered with. Consequently, you might lose your data without even noticing it. It’s much better to use electrical outlets if you need to charge your device. Another solution is to pick a USB cable that doesn’t transmit data and take it with you on a trip. You are sure to prevent hacking via this method.

• Transfer sensitive data to the cloud.

There is no need to carry all the data with you. In case you have something confidential, you don’t want the border agents to see (or you worry about thieves), you can simply move the files to the cloud and remove from your device.

• Delete password managers.

This tip will only work for those whose devices can be examined by border guards. They can use your password manager to access all the data. Without it, they’ve got no authority to make you unlock the files. If needed, you can reinstall the manager.

• Don’t be uncooperative.

It also concerns border agents. Since they have a wide latitude of things they might request, you should be cooperative lest you want to be detained. Think about it beforehand and remove everything you don’t want others to see.

Using these tips, you are sure to secure your data from falling into anyone’s hands. However, there is much more you can do. For example, create backup files and store them safely in a convenient place. This might be a backup device or a cloud.

It’s also better not to leave your devices anywhere unattended. For example, don’t leave your phone in the bar or on a restaurant table, etc.

Finally, there are tips about keeping your data safe that doesn’t concern fraud. For instance, you must keep your devices away from liquids. While it sounds silly, you might lose the data unless you have a waterproof device. It won’t be anyone’s fault but there will be nothing you could do to restore the information.

Conclusion

Keeping your files safe during traveling includes protecting them from hackers, people like border guards, and even accidents. Use the tips you’ve learned from here and have no more worries when traveling.

When people get ready to travel somewhere, they often check out the weather forecast, currency rates, major landmarks beforehand. However, they fail to educate themselves on how to avoid various scams when traveling. Let’s fix this and discuss the top five ways you can secure yourself during your trip.

What is a traveler advantage scam?

There is no precise definition of a traveler advantage scam since it happens in different forms. It can happen anytime during your trip from buying online tickets and booking rooms, to having your smartphone hacked while you use an unsecured Wi-Fi spot on the other side of the world. The scams’ rates are growing annually and more scams appear.

The main travelers’ advantage scams you must avoid

• Third-party discount travel scams.

When choosing a holiday destination, many travelers are tempted by discounts. Some firms lure their clients offering instant discounts for hotels, flights, cruises, etc. The only thing you need is to pay a small sum with your credit or debit card. All the clients get a promise that after the payment, they’ll get unbelievably low prices.

• Free vacation.

Some travelers often come across free vacation offers. They often come from companies you’ve never heard of. However, there is always a catch. You must know and detect the major signs of a scam. One of them is a beautiful picture & description without specifics (dates, the name of the hotel, resort, airline, etc.)

• Rental fraud.

It’s booming now as travelers tend to pick Airbnb and private residential home rentals. Such fraud often involves huge discounts on travel rentals. The owner convinces you to pay immediately and offers an almost luxurious apartment. However, when the customer shows up, he sees deteriorated rooms. And this is the best-case scenario. It might turn out that the owner is another person who never offered the accommodation for rent at all.

The good news is that some sites now offer protection against such situations. Yet, it can be rather difficult to get in touch with customer support and get the money back.

• Bait-and-switch scams.

This is a very widespread rental fraud. It basically offers highly desirable accommodation. After a person books it and arrives, the property manager says it’s currently unavailable and gives you a less desirable option.

• Currency exchange scams.

Traveling overseas, it’s important to take caution when exchanging the currency. The street-based exchanges might seem user-friendly but charge high fees or give you the wrong sum of money. They count on you not knowing the exchange rates. Anyway, it’s better and safer to change money in banks. Moreover, you should find out about the exchange rate beforehand.

Conclusion

Traveling experience can only be great if you take precautions and secure yourself from scams. Using the knowledge about these widespread fraud schemes, you are sure to be more attentive now. However, you can come across other issues. For example, you should be very careful using free Wi-Fi spots. To prevent identity theft or hacker attacks, it’s better to use a reliable VPN.