Summer is the prime season for business owners and employees to take a well-deserved vacation. Even with “out of office” auto-responses set, many will check in on work periodically while traveling. Unfortunately, working outside the office—whether it’s a quick email check on vacation, connecting to the internet at a coffee shop, or traveling for business—can expose your company to significant cybersecurity risks. Suppose you or your employees are accessing work emails from the airport or network documents in a hotel lobby. In that case, it’s crucial to follow robust cybersecurity practices to protect your company’s network from opportunistic hackers.
In this blog post, we outline the essential cybersecurity best practices you need to follow before and during your trip to keep your network secure.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
Cybersecurity may not top your vacation checklist but neglecting it can turn a dream getaway into a cyber nightmare. Cybercriminals exploit the fact that people let their guard down during vacations. With the focus on relaxation, many overlook critical cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
To minimize the risk of cyberattacks while traveling, here are vital best practices for you and your team:
Before You Go
- Back Up Your Data: Ensure you have a copy of your data. You can restore your information quickly if your device is lost or damaged.
- Update Your Software: Keep your operating systems, web browsers, and apps updated to their latest versions. Outdated software can leave your device vulnerable to malware.
- Protect Your Devices: Lock your devices using PINs, passcodes, fingerprints, or facial recognition. If you don’t already have these set up, do so before traveling. An unlocked device can expose your private information if accessed by others.
- Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature helps locate lost devices and allows you to remotely wipe data or disable it if it falls into the wrong hands.
While Traveling
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, ensuring data security 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 can be hotspots for cybercriminals. Avoid using unprotected networks and use a VPN if you must connect.
- Manage Location Services: While useful for navigation, location services can expose your whereabouts. Turn off these services when not in use and limit location sharing on social media.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification, such as a text message code or fingerprint scan. Before your trip, enable MFA on all accounts containing sensitive information.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features: Auto-connect features can connect your device to unknown networks, exposing it to cyber threats. Disable auto-connect and only connect to trusted wireless and Bluetooth networks.
Enjoy a Secure Vacation
Following these precautions will help secure your devices, allowing you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about cyber threats. However, these steps are not foolproof. To ensure your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, working with a professional IT team, like 10D Tech, that provides 24/7 network monitoring, patches vulnerabilities, and alerts you to suspicious activities is essential.
At 10D Tech, we offer comprehensive cybersecurity services to keep your business secure, whether you’re in the office or on vacation. Our experts are here to evaluate your current cybersecurity measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan tailored to your needs.
To prepare for your vacation and ensure your business’s cybersecurity, call us at (541) 243-4103 or in Portland (971) 915-9103 or schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll help you safeguard your company against potential cyber threats, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your time off.
For more information, visit our website at 10dtech.com and explore our wide range of IT services designed to enhance your business’s security and efficiency.
