Protecting your Personal Data on Vacation
These days, people are just as likely to pack a smart phone and a laptop with them on holidays as they are their bathing suit and sunscreen. But with these devices comes access to your personal information. Here are some tips on how to keep your information safe so you can relax while on vacation:
PASSWORD PROTECTION
Always password protect your gadgets so that in the event they are lost or stolen, you can rest easy knowing your data is safe. It’s even better if you can use multiple passwords and user names for different devices and networks.
WIFI
If you’re connecting to a wireless network at a café or hotel lobby, make sure it’s password protected so that you know you’re dealing with a secure network. If you plan on using an internet café while in destination, remember to sign out when you’re done. Simply closing the browser window isn’t enough as some accounts may keep you logged in providing full access to the next user.
SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS
If you’re active on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, it’s not always the best idea to publicize the fact that you’ll be away from your home for an extended period, giving burglars an easy target (provided you don’t have a house sitter).
GADGETS
Computers and smart phones are popular targets for thieves due to their high resale value. It’s a good idea to keep these devices locked in your room or out of sight when you’re not using them. In very poor countries, practice cultural sensitivity by not flashing these items around along with any large amounts of cash or jewelry. There are a number of anti-theft apps that allow you to track and potentially recover your devices if they are stolen but prevention is always the best option.
PRIVACY SETTINGS
All social media networks have privacy settings which allow you (to some extent) to determine how public the information on your site is. Be sure to use the most secure settings and to continually monitor them for changes particularly while downloading upgrades which may require you to reset them.
About the Author
Allison Wallace Allison Wallace is the Director of Media & Communications for Flight Centre Canada. She is a published author and photographer and her passion for travel has taken her to 65 countries on 6 continents worldwide.
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