We read or hear about cybercrime, hacking, and security threats daily. However, we shake our heads in acceptance, close the article, and get busy in our business. The scenario is completely different when we travel abroad. During this time, we are more interested in sending emails or sharing our latest photos without bothering whether or not the network we used was safe. As our mobile phone is loaded with sensitive data – such as our personnel and business-related information, our mobile is at a high risk of being hacked.

However, don’t worry! In this article, we will discuss a few tips and tricks you need to remember while travelling abroad. These tips will help you keep your mobile security intact in a foreign country.

1. Only Take the Necessary Devices With You

Only take the required devices with you. Taking unrequired smartphones, laptops, or other devices will increase the risk of losing and misplacing them. It can be the reason for compromised data or data loss.

2. Take Back Up of Your Data

Regularly back up your data. It is the best practice that will keep your data protected even when you lose your device. Taking back up of your data will ensure you’ll always have access to your data. Take backup using encrypted cloud storage on an external or USB hard drive. Ensure the storage you use for backup offers zero-knowledge encryption.

3. Set the “Find My Device” Feature on Your Devices

Enabling the Find My Device feature on your smartphone or other devices will let you locate your device if you lose it. Therefore, turn on this feature if you don’t want to lose or misplace your device, especially a smartphone. To enable it on an iOS device, you need to go to Settings -> Find My Device -> turn on the Find My Feature. To enable this feature in Android, go to Settings -> Security -> Click on Find My Device -> Enable Find My Device feature.

4. Ensure All Your Accounts have a Strong Password.

If you want your online accounts always to remain protected, ensure each account has a strong password. Use the password manager. It will help you generate unique, strong passwords and securely store them. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about remembering it.

5. Keep Your Device Up-to-date

You must update your smartphone’s OS from time to time. It will add new features and improve existing ones. Besides, it will fix bugs, improve performance, and patch the security flaws. So, update your device as soon as possible when the updates are available so cybercriminals cannot hack your device.

6. Install a VPN

Install a virtual private network on your device, as it will help you protect your online identity while surfing the web. When you have a VPN installed on your device, you can connect to public Wi-Fi even when you’re travelling. VPN acts as an added security layer and protects your data.

7. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi

Avoid using public Wi-Fi as long as possible because using it can put you at risk of online security and data. If you don’t have any other option and have to connect to public Wi-Fi, ensure you have a VPN installed on your smartphone or the device you use to protect your sensitive data and activity while on the go.

8. Don’t Share Too Much on Social Media

Be mindful of what you share on social media. When you’re travelling, it is tempting to post everything on social media but hold on. It is very dangerous. If you still want to post, don’t mention the exact location you’re at currently. It makes it super easy for anyone to target you. Post it after you leave that location or once you return home from your trip.

9. Turn Off Location Tracking, Cookies, and Autofill

Enabling the location tracking feature provides you with more information, but if your device gets into the wrong hands, it can be extremely harmful. Turn off location tracking when you are not using it. Also, check if your social media settings display the location information. If yes, change them or turn them off while you’re travelling. Of course, the autofill and cookie feature is quite convenient and makes it super easy to fill out forms online. However, it also makes it easy for hackers to steal your personal information. Therefore, be alert and turn off cookies and autofill.

Bon Voyage!

You can stay safe while travelling in a foreign country by following the above-discussed mobile security tips and tricks. These tips help you reduce the risk of doing business on the go. Travelling means a non-stressful gateway from your daily life. However, you must understand all the risks associated with mobile security while travelling abroad. Take the necessary precautions discussed above and have a secure travel experience without worrying about your online security.