When travelling overseas, there are some safety concerns around Wi-Fi that can be prevented with some simple tips. Many tourists choose to use free cafe and restaurant Wi-Fi to save money on phone bills. This is a great idea for the adventurous tourist, however, can present some issues when going abroad. Security and privacy issues can arise when technology is at its most vulnerable. We have compiled a list of our top tips below, which can be used when accessing Wi-Fi safely anywhere worldwide during your travels.
1. Backup your documents
Whether you are using your own laptop or mobile device, backing up your documents is a must. Consider purchasing an external hard drive for your overseas adventure, that way, you can continue to backup your beloved documents such as photos and videos during your holiday. Backing up your documents prior and during your trip allows you to relax knowing that your precious memories are being saved.
2. Strengthen your passwords
Strengthening your passwords prior to your travels is such an important task, so make sure you put it on your to-do list. Strengthening your passwords, whether it may be your email passwords or even social media ones, not only protects you from unwanted hackers and spam, it also gives you that little bit more protection and security giving you the confidence to use your online accounts safely when travelling overseas.
3. Update your antivirus software
Before travelling, consider updating your antivirus software. When you get a computer notification to update your software, follow the prompts to successfully be protected from unwanted viruses when travelling. If you choose to travel without antivirus software, your computer and details will be vulnerable to hackers. Antivirus software is an easy and affordable way to be safe when using the internet, anywhere in the world.
4. Avoid public computers
Avoid public computers when travelling overseas. There are many risks involved when using public computers, so try your best to use your own. Risks involved with public computers include people gaining access to your online activity, people viewing your screen (including those nasty over shoulder onlookers), and even personal information theft can be gained from your public computers browsing history and online activity. Avoiding public computers is the safest way to go when travelling.
5. Use a VPN
Known as a virtual private network, a VPN allows you to use the internet safely when travelling overseas as it protects your personal data. This includes protection of usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and browser cookies. When choosing to use free public Wi-Fi while travelling overseas without a VPN, personal information can be exposed to hackers. However, when a VPN is in use, it drastically reduces hacker potential as VPNs encrypts your online data so hackers can't take your online information from the airwaves.
6. Install a device finder on your phone
When travelling overseas, it's easy to misplace or lose personal items such as mobiles, cameras or even your credit card. Luckily enough, mobile devices can be easily trackable simply by downloading a device finder app for your phone's location. This then tracks your whereabouts and is a great security platform to use when going overseas.
7. Consider purchasing secure Wi-Fi
Have you considered pre-purchasing Wi-Fi prior to travelling overseas? If you are a Latitude 28° Global customer, take the liberty of enjoying more travel benefits. Latitude 28° Global offers Boingo Wi-Fi for its customers, providing fast, free worldwide Wi-Fi. To see if you are a Latitude 28° Global customer eligible for this offer, view this link and follow the prompts.
8. Forget Wi-Fi networks when not in use
When travelling, be sure to "forget" Wi-Fi networks when not in use. Leaving your connection on while travelling leaves a gate open to unwanted guests accessing and hacking your device. Be sure to disconnect your device from any unwanted Wi-Fi connections for safer online use.
When travelling overseas, Wi-Fi security can become non-existent when your days are busy spent sightseeing and touring the countryside. For a safer travelling experience, consider the above tips for a secure way to use the internet.
