Top 11 Internet Safety Tips When Traveling the Globe

Know how to stay safe on the internet while you travel abroad for business or vacation

Everyone loves to travel and unplug and unwind, but most of us are still required to stay connected to the internet for work or personal reasons while on vacation. It is becoming more and more difficult to protect one’s personal data with the alarming increase in data breaches and other cybercrimes. Cybercriminals easily target those who connect to public WiFi networks as such networks lack security. When you connect to one such network while you travel the globe, you are likely to become a victim of data theft and other cybercrimes.

In order to prevent your data from getting stolen, you must be aware of certain internet safety measures. This article will give you an insight on the safety measures you must take while traveling abroad.

Internet Safety Tips for Travelers

Internet safety must be prioritized while you travel abroad. Cybercriminals can get their hands on your sensitive personal data like your banking details, password, etc. when you connect to a WiFi network at a restaurant or hotel. The result of data theft could be devastating. Keep in mind the internet safety tips listed below to keep your sensitive data safe while you travel.

1. Don’t Share Your Personal Information

First and foremost, never share your personal information, like your address, banking details, etc., online. Even the smallest personal data, like your relationship status and the name of your kids or spouse, could make it easy for cybercriminals to guess your password. So make sure you do not post personal information online, as it would remain there even after you remove it.

2. Use Secure Public Wi-Fi Networks

While you travel, you will come across public WiFi networks in restaurants, cafes, etc. Such WiFi networks are considered a boon by many as they can stay connected with their family and also use WiFi for their work while on vacation. But remember, such WiFi networks will not be safe and hackers can easily intercept communications and steal sensitive data. It is wise to avoid using unsecure public WiFi networks while traveling; you can instead set up a personal hotspot on your mobile phone.

3. Always Use a VPN

Using a VPN, an anonymity tool is the best way to stay secure online while on vacation. This tool will let you connect to one of its secure servers so that your online activities cannot be tracked by anyone. No matter which WiFi network you are connected to, be it your home WiFi network or a public WiFi network, using a VPN will keep your connection secure. A VPN will encrypt your connection and establish a secure connection so that cybercriminals cannot get their hands on your personal data.

4. Only Log Into Sites That Start With https://

Websites that start with “https://” will have an SSL certificate and such sites will use an encrypted connection, unlike websites that start with “http”//.” To ensure internet security while traveling, you will need to make sure you are not visiting or making transactions on an unsecured website. Look for “https://” and stay away from websites that run on “http.”

5. Create and Use Complex Passwords

Many tend to use easy-to-guess passwords like 12345 or just their names or the names of their kids, pets, or spouse as their passwords. If you use one such password, cybercriminals can easily guess your password and access your account. To keep your account secure, it is mandatory to use a strong password, which is hard to guess. You can choose a complex password that is about 15 characters long, that has letters, special characters, and numbers.

6. Don’t Forget to Back up Your Data

Make sure all your important data is backed up before you travel. Even if your device gets hacked or stolen, you do not have to worry about your data getting lost if you have a data backup. If your device gets infected, you can use the data backup to restore it.

7. Make Sure Your Antivirus Is up to Date

It is important to have an antivirus on your device and keep it updated. Though it will not protect against threats, it will detect and help you stay away from malware and threats online. Likewise, make sure your operating system is up-to-date and install updates regularly.

8. Do not download attachments in unsolicited emails

One of the most common ways through which cyber criminals spread malware is by sending malicious attachments via emails. They send unsolicited emails and trick people into downloading attachments that carry malware, using which they can steal sensitive data. Never download suspicious-looking attachments you receive from unknown people.

9. Keep Your Bluetooth Turned Off

Turn on your Bluetooth only when needed. Bluetooth communications can be manipulated by cybercriminals and they can easily exploit vulnerabilities in these connections. This doesn’t mean you should not use your Bluetooth. To make sure your connection is secure, make sure to turn on your Bluetooth when you have not paired it with another device.

10. Make Online Purchases from Secure Sites

There are several online shopping websites out there, but not all of them are secure. When you make a purchase online, make sure the website is a trustworthy website and that it is secured with an SSL certificate. When you provide your banking details, like your credit card and debit card information on an unsecure shopping website, cybercriminals can easily steal your banking details and misuse them. The best thing you can do is to provide banking details on trusted websites that offer encryption.

11. Be Careful What You Post

Limit your posts on social media regarding your vacation. When you post something on social media, it will stay there forever. Even if you remove it, you may not be able to delete copies made by other users. Make sure you don’t post anything embarrassing and something you may not want your family or employer to see. Likewise, wait until you return home to post all pictures from your vacation so that you do not let thieves know that you are away from home.

What to Look Out for In a Good VPN for Traveling?

Whether you are traveling for leisure or for work, it is important to make sure your data is secure while you browse over a public WiFi network. While you travel abroad, you might want to access your favorite streaming services, business emails, and more. While some streaming services may be available globally, others may be restricted to just a few countries. To bypass such restrictions, you will need a VPN. While doing your research for the best VPN for traveling, look out for the following.

• Security features – Safety comes first, so lookout for a VPN that comes with best-in-class security features. Check if the VPN offers multiple protocols, 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, etc.
• Good speeds – For buffer-free streaming and gaming, good speeds are important.
• Servers – The VPN you choose must have a worldwide server network so that you will not have trouble accessing your favorite content while abroad. Only if the VPN has servers across the globe, you will be able to log in to your favorite websites and streaming services no matter where you are.

What Are the Best VPNs for Traveling Abroad?

• 5200+ servers in 62 countries
• Use up to 6 devices
• Next-generation Encryption
• Double VPN Feature
• Strict no-logs policy

NordVPN works with most devices and platforms like Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and more. You just have to download the VPN app for the device you will take with you while you travel and sign in to get started.

You can also test all the premium features of NordVPN using its money-back guarantee policy. Read more about this VPN by checking out our detailed NordVPN review.

• 160 server locations
• Network Lock kill switch
• Zero-knowledge DNS
• VPN split tunneling
• Stream Sports online

• Connect unlimited Devices
• AES-256-GCM encryption
• IP & DNS leak protection
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Free Browser Extensions
• Strict no-logs policy

Free VPNs also need money to maintain their infrastructure, so if they do not charge a fee, we need to think about how they earn money. Most free VPNs run ads and that is one way through which they make money. Likewise, some sell their users’ data. This shows you cannot expect free VPNs to keep your data secure and you cannot be anonymous with one such VPN.

Free VPNs will have a small server network and you will have to connect to an overcrowded server. It will not be fast enough for gaming or streaming. With that being said, we recommend our users stay away from free VPNs. Instead, we recommend going for premium VPN services and using the free trial to test the VPN for free.