Traveling for work this spring?
If so, cybersecurity should be at the top of your list of concerns. While working from a secure location, or accessing your personal network, you can be more or less confident that your actions online are not being tracked or that you are unwittingly giving criminals access to your files. When using unfamiliar networks and mobile hotspots, you inevitably make yourself more vulnerable to just those kinds of issues. Here are the basic preventative measures you should be taking to maintain your data security while on the road.
Before You Go
Back Up Your Files
Equally important to your data security is taking the time to back up your files from the devices you will be taking with you when traveling. Any loss of data while on the road may be temporarily inconvenient, but at least you know you will have access again as soon as you are back in the office. Damage to devices is far more likely to occur when traveling as well, so make sure you save the important information from your hardware in a safe place, just in case.
Keep Your Anti-Virus Software Up To Date
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself on the road is making sure your anti-virus software and security updates are as current as possible. This will help ensure that your devices are free from pre-existing malware or viruses before you leave town. Additionally, consider clearing your web history and cookies as these are easily accessed when on a public wifi network and can provide hackers with the information they need to make fraudulent transactions in your name.
While You’re Out
Avoid Unfamiliar Hotspots
A good rule of thumb is to avoid using public hotspots while on the road. That said, sometimes they are your only option, but avoid doing sensitive business online when connected to one. Banking and shopping while on an unfamiliar and unsecured internet connection can result in stolen credit card information, account information, or other losses of data security. Public wifi hotspots are notoriously vulnerable to hackers and may even be created with the purpose of giving hackers access to the devices that connect. Think twice before connecting to public hotspots such as those available on airplanes, at airports, hotels, or in a café, and make sure that the name of the network and login procedures are in line with what you expect from the location.
Practice Safe Browsing
When traveling and using unfamiliar or unsecured internet connections, try to avoid any potentially sensitive online activities, such as online shopping, banking, or confidential work. If you must do one of the above actions, only use secure sites that begin with https://.
For more tips on cybersecurity while away from home, connect with the team at Happy Faces Records Management. They offer a range of data protection services, including digital archiving, which can help keep you and your data safe while traveling.
