Summer is a prime season for business owners and employees to leave the office for a much-needed vacation. Despite activating their "out of office" email responders, many still check in on work occasionally while traveling. Unfortunately, studies indicate that working remotely—whether it's a quick check-in during vacation, connecting to the Internet at a coffee shop, or business travelers working on the go—can lead to significant cybersecurity risks. If you or your team will be handling urgent emails from the airport or accessing network documents in a hotel lobby, it's crucial to adhere to robust cybersecurity practices to protect your company's network from nearby hackers.
In this blog post, we'll outline essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to safeguard your network from cyber threats.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
Cybersecurity might not top your vacation checklist, but neglecting it can turn a dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals are well aware that summer is a prime time to strike, as people are more likely to lower their guard while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time off rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are some best practices to discuss with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet during their vacation.
Before You Go:
- Back Up Your Data: Ensure you have a copy of your data that can be restored if your device is lost or damaged.
- Update Your Software: Make sure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device's defense against malware.
- Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Set this up before traveling to prevent unauthorized access if your device is unattended.
- Enable "Find My Phone": This feature allows you to locate your device if lost and gives you the power to remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.
While Traveling:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, securing your data 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 are hotspots for cybercriminal activity. Avoid using unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
- Manage Location Services: While useful for navigation, location tools can expose your whereabouts to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use, and limit how you share your location on social media.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable this feature for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving home.
- Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. Disable this option to prevent your device from connecting to the wrong network, potentially giving cybercriminals access.
You deserve to relax on your vacation. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your devices secure and enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.
However, it's important to note that these steps aren't foolproof. To truly ensure your company's cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it's crucial to work with a professional IT team. They can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities as they arise, and alert you to any suspicious activity.
To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, call us at 914-923-0161 or click here to schedule a FREE consult with our cybersecurity experts today. We'll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.
