Summer often sees business owners and employees stepping away from the office for a much-needed vacation. Despite activating their "out of office" email responders, many people still check in on work occasionally while traveling. Unfortunately, working outside the office—whether it's a quick email check during vacation, connecting to public WiFi at a coffee shop, or handling business tasks on a trip—can pose significant cybersecurity risks. If you or your team will be accessing emails from the airport or network documents in a hotel lobby, it's crucial to adhere to strong cybersecurity practices to prevent exposing your company's network to nearby hackers.
In this blog post, we'll outline the essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to safeguard your network from cyber threats.
The Importance of Cybersecurity While Traveling
Cybersecurity might not top your vacation checklist, but neglecting it can turn a dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know that summer is an opportune time to strike because people tend to let their guard down while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time away rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
To reduce the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are some best practices to discuss with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet during their vacation.
Before You Go:
- Back Up Your Data: Ensure you have a copy of your data in case your device is lost or damaged.
- Update Your Software: Keep your operating system, web browsers, and apps updated to the latest versions to defend against malware effectively.
- Protect Your Devices: Lock your devices with a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Set this up before traveling to safeguard your private information if your device is left unattended.
- Enable "Find My Phone": This feature helps locate your device if lost and allows you to remotely wipe data or disable the device if necessary.
While Traveling:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, securing your data even on public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
- Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi networks are hotbeds for cybercriminal activity. Avoid using unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
- Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigation but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication: MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable MFA for all sensitive accounts before you leave.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically connect to available wireless networks, which can be risky. Disable this feature to ensure you only connect to trusted wireless and Bluetooth networks.
You deserve to relax on vacation. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your devices secure and enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.
However, it's important to note that these steps are not fail-proof. To truly ensure your company's cybersecurity measures are robust, consider working with a professional IT team. They can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities as they arise, and alert you to any suspicious activities.
To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, call us at 703-281-1017 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We'll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.
