Internet Security for Travelers | 5 Tips to Keep Your Data Safe

Electronics, clothes, accessories, and your ID and traveling documents are on every traveler’s checklist. But one thing you might forget to add to your travel checklist -because it’s been so tightly integrated into your lives- is whether you have safe internet access throughout your trip.

Sure, there are many open or guest Wi-Fis that give you free access to the internet, but there’s no such thing as free Wi-Fi. You’re actually paying the price by possibly compromising your privacy. No worries, though; there’s a simple and viable solution for a secure internet connection while you’re traveling.

5 Safe Online Banking Tips for Travel

Due to the sensitivity of clients’ financial affairs, banks have taken extra security measures. After all, you can’t be too careful when it comes to finances. This is the missing item on your travel checklist+ download.

Let’s go over some quick tips on safe online banking while traveling.

traveler’s checklist.pdf

1. Two Factor Authentication

Banks have set up two-factor authentication (2FA) systems to ensure only you have access to your bank account. This safety measure requires you to enter a one-time password (OPT) generated by an app or sent from the bank itself in the form of an SMS.

If you’re using SMS 2FA, you need to enable data roaming because sending or receiving a text or a call from another country depends on the agreements between carriers in your home country and your host country. So, you need to check your carrier’s website for services that support international roaming before you travel.

2. Connect Through a Safe VPN

Another safety measure banks have taken to protect clients’ assets is through IP restrictions. Thanks to the IANA services, clients in every country, or more exactly, every region, connect to the internet using a specific range of IP addresses. Now, if your bank is in Country A and you want to access it from Country B, you need to connect to the internet with an IP address within the IP range of Country A.

How? You need to establish a secure VPN connection that masks your local IP with an IP address from your home country, where the bank is.

3. Erase Your Trace

When the cat’s away, the mice will play. When you travel abroad, your absence might entice an unreliable assistant to access your bank account. So, make sure you haven’t inadvertently left a piece of paper with your password on your desk. Or better yet, change your passwords before you leave, and if you’re afraid of forgetting them, you can rely on Chrome or Safari password managers.

4. Security Notifications

It’s advisable to regularly monitor your bank statements if you’re going away for a while. You should also enable notifications on your bank app to be notified when someone attempts to make an unauthorized action.

5. Don’t Ask for Trouble

Connecting your device to an open Wi-Fi can compromise your privacy. So, try to avoid them altogether, particularly when your device contains sensitive data. But if it was the only way to go online, use a VPN connection to cover your online activities with a solid layer of security.

On a related note:

Establishing a VPN on Public WiFi in Dubai

3 Dangers of Public Networks Abroad

Restaurant owners, hotel managers, or anywhere you may find a free Wi-Fi connection, provide internet service to gain customer satisfaction. That is, they offer this facility with good intentions. But is hotel WiFi safe? Fact: an unprotected Wi-Fi is the prey that digital predators use to hunt unprotected users. Who are they and what do they do?

1. Snoopers

What you see in the form of a webpage in your browser is actually comprised of thousands of packets. These packets are typically encrypted, but a snooper can easily track them with packet sniffing tools. What makes snoopers spooky is their ability to mess with these packets.

2. Malware Developers

Scarier than snoopers is the ransomware that might infiltrate your phone or tablet when you connect to an open network. The software creeps into your device, encrypts and extracts your data, and makes it inaccessible for you. You want access, you pay a ransom. Imagine the catastrophe if your device stores sensitive information about your business or bank accounts.

They might also install a program by tricking you into giving sensitive permissions and use your cell phone’s hardware for mining crypto assets, a process known as cryptojacking.

They might even do it simply for the sheer fun of it or because you’ve left the doors open.

3. Man in the Middle

Man-in-the-middle, or MITM, is yet the worst kind of online attacker you might come across. They are the most dangerous online enemies because they can even breach in HTTPS websites like banks, online shops, email service providers, etc. What they do is that, as the name suggests, they stand between you, the client, and the website your working with, the host.

As your data is being transferred over an unencrypted network, they intercept and alter the packages by degrading encryption levels and send them to the host without your knowing. That’s how you get a login, or even worse, a withdrawal notification from your bank, while you’re sunbathing on the beach. Yes, it’s too late to do anything.

You can prevent this dreadful scenario with a reliable Virtual Network Connection or VPN. Safe VPN apps like NordVPN and HidzoVPN can protect your online activities against the attacks mentioned above.

Accessing Home Streaming Services

Missing your favorite soap when traveling abroad? The copyright laws in your holiday destination might not agree with those of your country. Therefore, you can’t access your streaming platform. That’s where things get a bit tricky.

Streaming platforms implement security systems and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access to their database. These systems can easily identify your real IP address if you’re not using a safe and reliable VPN service provider. The optimal VPN providers are those that do not store their clients’ digital footprints. HidzoVPN is a VPN provider with a strict no-log policy.

Another thing to consider for accessing streaming services is speed. Nothing ruins the excitement of watching a thriller like a slow and laggy connection. HidzoVPN servers with strong CPUs and uncapped bandwidth can grant a seamless streaming experience and allow you to enjoy the latest episodes of your favorite series.

Why a VPN is a Traveler’s Best Friend

A VPN service is your best friend when you travel abroad because it keeps you in touch with your home country. With a secure VPN connection that maximizes online privacy protection, you’re physically enjoying your vacation abroad, while virtually staying on top of your affairs back home.

All this is available for a reasonable price. With just $2.99/mo (on discount), you can buy HidzoVPN’s one-month premium subscription. Safe travels!