Most of us bring electronic gadgets (phones, tablets, laptops) with us while we’re travelling, which, according to cyber security experts, can easily be compromised or stolen.

Tips to stay cyber safe

• Always use a password on your device.
• Write your name and local address on a visible or accessible part of your device so that the device can be returned to you if someone finds it.
• Consider enabling the option that automatically erases the data on your device if the password is entered incorrectly 10 times. Then, if you lose the device, that’s all you’ll lose (the device, not the data!).
• Make a habit of disabling the wireless (Wi-Fi) connection and Bluetooth connection on your device when you’re not using it to connect to the Internet.
• Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but not secure. Instead, you might consider using a VPN service when using a Public Wi-Fi hotspot. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to create a secure connection over the internet and guarantees that all of the data you’re sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes—and prevents it from being intercepted by cyber criminals.
• Do not plug USB keys or other foreign devices into your computer, or allow an unfamiliar person to access your computer. Malicious software could be downloaded.
• Avoid charging your phone on computers or devices that you do not control, such as hotel docking stations. Malicious software could be stored there, which could be transferred when your device is connected. Use your personal computer or a direct-to-wall-socket charging port to charge your phone

International travel

It’s also a good idea to learn about international laws and regulations on digital information in the places you’re travelling to. For instance, if you access your webmail in another country, do you know whether its government is watching you?

Or, is the risqué novel that you saved on your e-reader or iPad considered pornographic in the country you are visiting?

Some countries can compel you to provide them with the data on your iPad or laptop. What if the data is corporate intellectual property?

Finally, did you know that border agents are legally entitled to conduct search and seizure actions against anyone entering or leaving their countries? The general rule is to not take any data into another country that you are not prepared to lose.

And don’t forget

Our final piece of advice for cyber-secure travelling is to make a back-up of your data files prior to departure … just in case.