The majority of us understand the importance of having proper cybersecurity measures in place.
However, many people overlook the importance of these tools when they are traveling.
You must understand that it is crucial to have your cybersecurity tools installed and ready to use before you travel.
This is not only important for business trips but also leisure and tourist travel as some countries block VPN websites which will prevent you from accessing them while you’re traveling.
Why You Need Cybersecurity When Travelling
Having proper cybersecurity features installed on your devices is crucial when you travel. There are two main reasons why you need to be prepared when you travel.
The first is that you need to keep your devices protected.
Cybercriminals are prevalent in areas where you can find public Wifi hotspots.
These hotspots are unsecured and therefore make them the perfect hunting grounds for hackers to find victims.
The very feature that makes these public WiFi hotspots so convenient and easy for people to use is the same feature that makes it easier for hackers to infiltrate other people’s devices.
Using a VPN can protect you in this situation.
A VPN can encrypt your internet connection, which means that no one can see what is happening on your device.
Therefore no one will be able to go through your files and personal information.
Not only will a VPN help to keep your devices protected, but it can also help you to bypass internet censorship. Several countries around the world block specific websites, which might be inconvenient to you while traveling.
It is also important to install other cybersecurity tools to prevent your device from being infected with malicious software.
Once malicious software makes its way onto your device it can cause you a lot of headaches, which is the last thing you need while traveling.
Why You Should Install Everything Before You Travel
It is important to have a VPN installed on your device before you travel because most public Wifi hotspots are found at airports, hotels and restaurants.
This means that if you do not have your VPN active while using the internet in these areas, your devices will be at risk.
Another reason why you should have cybersecurity tools such as a VPN installed before you travel is that some countries have banned them from being used.
This is done mostly for legal or religious reasons.
While you can’t necessarily get into any trouble for using a VPN in these countries, they do have ways that allow them to be restricted.
For example, they might block websites that allow you to download a VPN.
This would put you at serious risk if you have not downloaded your VPN before you travel to the country in question.
A VPN can also help you to bypass internet censorship. Some countries block foreign news websites, social media and in some cases even certain Google features.
Essential Cybersecurity Tools For When You Travel
There are some important cybersecurity tools you need to have ready and available if you are planning on travelling.
Keeping your devices secure is crucial because they contain some of your most important data and files from bank accounts to communication platforms.
The first security tool you need is a VPN. VPN software will help you to safely browse the internet even while using public WiFi hotspots.
You must always have your VPN activated when you’re online.
Another cybersecurity tool you need is antivirus software. An antivirus software will be constantly scanning your device for any malicious software. If any malware is found it can take the necessary steps to remove it from your device.
You must ensure that your antivirus software is updated before you travel.
Software updates are sent out regularly to fix any flaws that have been discovered in the system through user testing. Updates also add new layers of defence to your antivirus software.
The final cybersecurity tool you need to make sure to install on your device is a password manager.
Many people use the default password manager on their browser, however, this puts you at great risk.
The default browser password manager might be useful to save your passwords, however, it is not secure enough to keep hackers out. A third-party password manager is essential to keeping all your accounts secure.
A good password manager will require you to log in before you get access to your passwords.
You will also be given a master key, which is a randomly generated code that only you have access to.
When creating passwords it is important to use strong and unique passwords.
Strong passwords are words or numbers that do not relate to any of your personal information as this can easily be stolen from your device or social media.
Studies have shown that the strongest passwords are made up of random words and numbers.
You also need to make each password unique for different accounts and never use the same passwords for multiple different accounts.