Struggling to resist the open road? The appeal of solo travel is hard to deny. Whether you’re a digital nomad working from a café in Lisbon or a free-spirited backpacker checking into a hostel in Bali, remote adventure is incredible.
However, along with the thrill and freedom that travel brings, you may also encounter some unique risks to your data privacy. Connecting on the go means you’ll be relying on public and unknown networks. If you’re mixing work with travel, you need to safeguard your digital life.
What’s at risk when you travel?
When you’re relying on your device in a new country, security threats multiply.
One of the most common risks is data interception, especially while you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. Unsecured networks offer prime opportunities to cybercriminals, who can easily ‘listen in’ on any traffic passing through.
Beyond data theft, you’re much more likely to have your devices lost or stolen while traveling. Simple mistakes like leaving your bag unzipped or your cellphone in your back pocket could be fatal. And as for your online security, you’ll need to make sure that you can access your accounts.
Why is your iPhone the most important travel tool?
While your passport gets you across borders, your iPhone handles virtually everything else. From finding your way around unfamiliar streets to transferring money, booking accommodation and keeping in touch with family, you need to have trust in your devices.
As the anchor for all your travel documents, financial access points and sometimes entire digital workspace, securing your cellphone and laptop should be your highest priority.
How to travel smart and stay connected
To stay safe online while you’re travelling, it’s important to follow some smart, practical habits to protect your information. These include:
- Cloud backups: Before you leave, try to make sure that your photos and documents are backed up to a secure cloud service. You should do this multiple times while you’re away, too.
- Offline copies: Keeping a paper copy of your boarding pass and booking confirmation could get you out of some tricky situations. Keep photocopies of your passport, insurance details and hotel bookings.
- Using a VPN: The simplest and most effective way to address the risks of public Wi-Fi. Using a free VPN for iPhone is the equivalent of locking your luggage: it creates a private tunnel that makes your data unreadable.
- Password managers: You should never reuse a password, but what if you find them hard to remember? Luckily, a password manager will help you create and securely store unique passwords for every account. This could prevent a potential data breach from ruining your travels.
Staying safe on the road
Digital security gives you freedom. By sticking to simple habits and using some handy tools, you’ll learn how to travel light with your bags but smart with your data. It’s time to focus on adventure, not on cyber threats.