Whether you're hitting the highway and headed to the beach or flying the friendly skies to an exotic destination, it's important to keep all of your devices safe and secure. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has some tried-and-true tips to help you protect yourself and your family while on vacation.
- Actively manage location services. Location tools come in handy while navigating a new city, but they can also expose your whereabouts – even through photos. Turn off location services when they are not in use.
- Get savvy about WiFi hot spots. Do not transmit personal info or make purchases on unsecure networks like those in local cafes and hotel lobbies. Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) or your phone's cellular connection as a personal hotspot to surf more securely.
- Delete unused apps. Be aware that many apps relay information which can be specific to a city or attraction.
- Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when idle. When WiFi and Bluetooth are on, they connect and track your whereabouts. If you do not need them, switch them off.
- Never use public computers to log in to any accounts. Be extremely cautious on public computers in public places like airports and hotel lobbies. Keep activities as generic and anonymous as possible.
- Share with care. Think twice before posting pictures which would reveal you are not home. You never know who is watching.
Source: National Cyber Security Alliance.