5 Easy Ways To Protect Your Data While Traveling For Work
The evolution of advanced technologies has made it harder for companies to spot potential cyber-attacks. While you may have considered security options for your home and office systems, it’s also important to have reliable policies that protect data while traveling. It’s crucial that you use cybersecurity best practices to avoid unwanted breaches. Strong security starts with a well-educated workforce that knows how to avoid potential threat actors. In this article, we’ll show you five ways to protect your data while traveling for work to get you on the right path.
Use A VPN To Help Protect Your Data While Traveling
Investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent way to strengthen your security while working at home or on the road. A VPN is a data protection tool that protects its users by encrypting their data and masking their IP addresses.
You may have to pay to set up and use a VPN, but having one allows you to send private data securely, hide your browsing activity, and mask your current location.
This greater level of security makes it more difficult for threat actors to access your private data, especially when using unsecured networks, which are often targeted by cybercriminals.mVPNs can be used on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. A 2023 VPN report found that 95% of organisations now use VPNs to increase company security and protect private data. Don’t be the company that gets caught out by threat actors by not using one!
Avoid Using Public WiFi Networks And Public Computers
If you need to work on the go in a public place, i.e., a cafe, train station, library, or coworking space, it’s important to avoid using public computers and public WiFi networks. While free WiFi can be very appealing, it’s also particularly vulnerable to security issues.The same can be said when using public computers. This poses a severe online safety risk because you don’t have direct control over their security.
Regarding public WiFi, unsecured networks are often targeted by cybercriminals. A 2023 report found that 40% of people experienced a data breach while using public WiFi. Meanwhile, it’s impossible to know exactly what’s been installed on a public computer, so you can’t be sure how secure your data is. If you absolutely have to use public WiFi or computers, avoid carrying out any business or personal transactions requiring private information, avoid logging into business accounts, and use a VPN to increase your security.
Disable Bluetooth Connectivity
Another thing you should encourage employees to do when traveling for work is turn off automatic Bluetooth connectivity on all their devices. Disabling the automatic WiFi connection is also worthwhile. Disabling Bluetooth when it’s not required is a simple and effective way to increase your security and protect data because it makes it harder for cybercriminals to hack your device. Unfortunately, attackers are very creative, so they can find ways to hack into your device and steal your data using Bluetooth.
These types of hacks can download your data, make calls, send texts, and access the Internet via your device. Furthermore, a recent phenomenon called “Bluejacking” has raised further concerns regarding Bluetooth’s security. Bluejacking is an exploit in which hackers spam Bluetooth-enabled devices with phishing messages, such as inappropriate pictures, business e-cards, advertisements, and comments. Simply turning Bluetooth off helps you easily avoid these potential breaches and keep your data safe.
Avoid Revealing Sensitive Information In Public
A recent report revealed that human error significantly contributed to 95% of all security breaches. Therefore, a sure fire way to increase your company’s security is to make sure your workforce knows how to keep sensitive information safe when traveling. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make a big difference. One of the easiest ways to keep your company information safe online is to avoid revealing sensitive information in public. 
You never know who’s listening or watching what you or your employee is doing, so stay vigilant, especially in public. For example, if you’re working on a train, don’t discuss any confidential information/personal details on a business call because somebody might be listening. Similarly, make sure nobody is looking over your shoulder at your computer. It only takes a split second for somebody to see something confidential you’ve emailed to a colleague or overhear something private on the phone.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
When it comes to data protection, weak passwords are often a company’s downfall. Most people choose passwords that are easy to remember and, therefore, easier for threat actors to crack with advanced hacking software. Many people also use the same password for multiple sites, which puts more data at risk because if they have your login credentials for one website, they can potentially access them all. The risk is even higher when traveling for work because you might be exposed to more threats.
However, when done right, passwords can be the golden standard of data protection. With this in mind, encourage your employees to only use strong and unique passwords for every system and website. Always use two-factor authentication for an added layer of security, too. A strong password should consist of at least 12 characters, contain a mixture of lower- and upper-case letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid any personal identifiers, such as date of birth and pet names.
How Can DIESEC Help Protect Your Data While Traveling
Providing regular information security training is the best way to keep your employees and their data safe. At DIESEC, we offer state-of-the-art AI-driven phishing simulations with an inbuilt Information Security Academy. Through regular awareness training and micro-learning, employees are far more likely to follow the best practices regarding cybersecurity in the office or while traveling for work!