Cyber security rules that need to be taken into consideration while traveling have become a part of daily life. As technology enters every aspect of life, electronic devices accompany all travels. While technological devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets are at the top of the travel list; A safe journey with these devices is ensured by the attention of the users.
Privacy and security when browsing the internet have become more important than ever. Internet service providers may monitor our online activities and sell our data. Additionally, in open networks such as public Wi-Fi networks, our data can easily be intercepted. When traveling, it is necessary to take the same safety precautions as at home. In the hustle and bustle of travel, it is quite possible to skip simple but vital precautions. These negligences make us vulnerable to cyber attacks.
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Safety rules to consider when traveling
- Do not use WLAN without password
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- Install licensed antivirus program
- Make your password unique and avoid repetition
- Use key lock
- Keep a record of information available for emergencies
Banking transactions and logins that require a password should not be made via public wifi connection. Updates of devices such as computers, smartphones or tablets should not be performed via wifi connection. Make sure that a secure connection is used for logins that require sensitive information . - Do not use WLAN without password
Using WLAN without a password can lead to various security risks and compromise users’ sensitive information. You may not care which network you connect to the internet through during your travel, but you cannot know who provides the public networks used in places such as cafes, airports, shopping malls, hotels, etc., and whether they are monitored or recorded.
When you connect to an unencrypted wireless network, all your data is transmitted in the open and can be monitored or intercepted by malicious actors. This can lead to serious consequences, such as theft of your personal information, access to your bank accounts, or exposure to phishing attacks.
If you have a sensitive transaction to make while on vacation, such as online banking, confirming a hotel reservation, or paying for a rental car, you should never do this using an unencrypted WLAN. In this case, your information can easily be intercepted by anyone. If you do not have a VPN client, request a cable connection or use a mobile communication connection.
Be careful and conscious when using WLAN without a password. Especially do not carry out sensitive transactions such as banking transactions or crypto exchanges over an unencrypted network! Also, when sharing personal information and shopping online, make sure websites are secure. In this way, you can minimize the risks of using an unencrypted WLAN and ensure your online security.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Actually, the cafe, restaurant or city wifi internet hotspots that we randomly connect to while on vacation are not a very safe method. These wifi points that we connect to without a VPN connection may contain secret codes that can violate our personal data security and privacy. When using such links, be careful not to transfer important and confidential information.
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You can use VPN online both during your travels and when you are not traveling . VPN comes from the name Virtual Private Network and is an important tool in terms of privacy and data protection. VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows internet users to manage their online activities securely. A VPN user encrypts internet traffic, prevents data from being monitored or stolen, and hides the real IP address.
VPN directs the user’s internet connection to a server, and in this way, the user’s traffic information is not visible to other users and sites in the environment. It ensures that your personal data is kept secure and can be used to bypass internet limits. This makes users’ online activities anonymous and protects them from various dangers.
By reducing such risks, VPN makes users’ online experiences safe. With the VPN program, you ensure the privacy and security of your data and information when you connect to the internet from your smartphone or laptop.
Additionally, VPNs can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions and increase access to online content. For example, some websites or streaming platforms may be limited to certain geographic areas. By using a VPN, users can bypass these restrictions and access blocked content by accessing the internet from a different geographical location. That’s why VPNs are an important tool for internet users today.
There are many VPN services that offer free VPN services. You can also ensure the security of your personal data and information by downloading the free VPN program directly to your smartphone or laptop. Planet Free VPN ( Android VPN – IOS VPN ) – one of my favorites for the best online free VPN service, fast and secure.
- Install licensed antivirus program
Licensed antivirus programs are software that protects our computers from various malware. These programs protect our computers from viruses, spyware, ransomware and other malicious software, ensuring the security of our devices. Licensed antivirus software is constantly updated to detect and block the latest threats thanks to regularly updated databases, thus helping to protect users’ computers from all kinds of threats.
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While browsing the internet, there are chances of being exposed to various malware and digital threats. Malicious individuals can infiltrate our computers and steal our personal information, access our bank accounts, or render our computers unusable. Licensed antivirus software ensures the digital security of users by creating a barrier against such threats.
You can download a security application such as Kaspersky Internet Security for Android to your smartphone. This app protects your smartphone from malicious apps and web attacks using a real-time scanner and keeps your personal information safe by preventing thieves from accessing your contacts, photos and files.
Even if your smart device is stolen, you can use a remote wipe function to destroy all confidential information on your device. Kaspersky Internet Security for Android goes even further, allowing your smart device to send you a message with its current location, so you can locate your lost or stolen device if it has an integrated GPS module, such as Google Earth.
Additionally, licensed antivirus programs often offer additional features. These features may include extra layers of security such as a secure internet browser, spam filter, file encryption and phishing protection.
- Make your password unique and avoid repetition
I think I don’t need to explain the importance of a strong password for cyber security. We now have too many applications and accounts to name. To access all of them, a username or email and password is required. A strong password ensures that accounts are protected from malicious access. However, I know many of you are still using weak passwords or using the same password for multiple accounts. This is a big security risk!
I hope you will not face what this sentence means one day. It is essential to have a strong password! There are certain features that a strong password should have. An ideal password should contain a complex combination and should include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. It is also essential that you choose a unique password for each of your accounts! Even if you use similar passwords, always prefer to add something that reminds you of the relevant account at the beginning or end of your password.
This way, if one account is compromised, you won’t put your other accounts at risk. Although it is recommended to change passwords regularly, for some reason I am not keen on this. Anyway, just as you would not give your home address to a thief, do not write down your password anywhere or share it with anyone.
- Use key lock
Keylocks, which are used on devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops, are one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Make sure that you enable the PIN code function on your mobile phone that will appear when your screen is locked. Locking your devices prevents your information from falling into the hands of malicious people and from losing control of your device.
Using a key lock also provides an important layer of security in case your device is lost or stolen. Password-protecting or activating a key lock on electronic devices that accompany you on trips can cause thieves to waste time. If you do not lock your device, your personal information and sensitive data can be easily accessed and misused by malicious people.
Therefore, using a key lock not only ensures the security of your device, but also protects your personal privacy and data security. This simple yet effective security measure strengthens your defense against cyber threats and protects your digital assets.
- Keep a record of information available for emergencies
Be prepared in advance about what to do if your phone is stolen, lost or broken. Test the steps on what to do on your own time. This idea may seem silly at first, but it will save you time and a lot of trouble in an emergency.
To avoid risk in an emergency, be cautious and create a mobile phone ID. Note down all important information about your phone to your cloud account. You can start with your phone’s serial number, the 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Code), and the SIM card number.
With this information, you can quickly block the use of your lost smartphone, order a new SIM card, and continue to enjoy your holiday with your new phone, which will arrive in just a few days.
It is beneficial to keep online personal data and information private and secure both during travel and non-travel periods and to take all possible precautions. It is always better to take precautions before encountering any data breach.
