Effective Tips to Protect Your Mobile Devices During Travel:
Set Strong Passwords & Biometric Locks
Use a strong passcode, PIN, or biometric lock on your device and protect your data from unauthorized access in case you lose your device. Avoid using simple and easy-to-guess passwords and patterns or the same credentials to protect different apps and access points on your devices. It prevents casual theft since a locked device is harder to resell.
Turn On Remote Tracking & Wipe Features
Enable smart features in your phones, such as Find My Device if you are using Android, and Find My iPhone if you are using Apple devices. It will help you track down your phone location in case you forget it in a public place, hotel, restaurant, or any such place. This feature allows you to erase sensitive data on your phone from a remote location. With the help of this tool, you can protect your identity and personal data from theft. Remote tracking gives you constant updates, even if someone changes the SIM in your smartphone. It boosts your chances of recovering your lost phone.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks if you are travelling in a foreign land. Hackers set up fake networks in public areas to track your personal data when you connect to these bogus networks. If you have to use them, then always use a VPN on your device to protect your privacy and data security. It encrypts your internet connection, device location, and online activities, preventing hackers from launching man-in-the-middle attacks. You can peacefully complete your online activities simply by using a VPN on your smartphone.
Use Your Own Charger and Power Bank
Update Your Device Before Traveling
Turn Off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & NFC When Not in Use
If you are not using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Near Field Communication (NFC), then keep them off. This way, you can prevent hackers from injecting malicious files and gaining unauthorized access to your smart devices. Most importantly, it stops your device from automatically connecting to the unsafe networks set up by cybercriminals. Turning off Bluetooth and connecting to networks also saves battery, and on the go, where you have charging issues, it helps you stay connected for longer.
Use a Robust Security Software
It is highly recommended that you download and install security software on your device when you are planning to travel around the world. It will provide you with real-time protection from malware, spyware, and unseen virus infections lurking in your way. You will be able to block and prevent phishing links, emails, and browser hijackers to enjoy a seamless and harmless browsing experience.
Check Your Downloads
Do not download your files, apps, and software from an unknown or third-party platform. Hackers create fake download links with the legitimate file names and place them on unknown websites. When you download from these links, the malware enters your device, and it runs all the malicious operations inside your system, such as modifications, data stealing, program disruptions, rewriting commands, and more. Hence, you must avoid clicking unknown links or downloading files from suspicious emails, texts, or pop-ups.
Back Up Your Data Before You Travel
Log Out of Unused Apps & Accounts
Do not leave your important apps and accounts, such as email, banking apps, and crypto accounts, open when you are not using them. Always log out once you have finished your tasks and processes from sensitive apps and accounts. Doing so will limit the exposure and prevent unauthorized access to your personal information. Some apps run in the background and track all your activities without your permission. When you log out of them, it ends their session, which stops them from accessing information and running in the background.
Use Travel Mode (If Available)
If your smartphone has a travel mode feature, then make sure to turn it on. Travel mode can protect you from a wide range of region-based online threats and insecurities. It can protect you from unknown networks and region-based malicious content while travelling. Using these special features, you will be able to maintain privacy and safety for your data and device. Hence, always check the travel mode on your phone, and if you find it, enable it.
Turn Off Location Information
Enable Built-in Security Tools
Don’t Leave Your Devices Unattended
Travel Data Light
Use Strong Physical Protection
Use Hotel Safes Whenever Possible
If you are staying in a hotel, make sure you keep your mobile gadgets with you. Always choose accommodations that provide safes and lockers to keep your precious things locked in. If you are going out or away for a short time, then make sure you use the locker to keep your valuable devices locked away. It will reduce the risk of theft by hotel staff and intruders. Always stay aware of your surroundings and make sure no one stranger enters your room behind your back or without your permission.
