If you are travelling from place to place frequently like me, welcome to the club of being nomads! I love to explore new places, visit ancient cities, and trendy locations and be digitally connected everywhere, making my trips even more memorable. While everything seems fun and secure with the right planning, there are still so many things that need extra attention, like my digital safety.
I am sure many of you might have also felt the same, especially when connecting to unknown Wi-Fi connections at public places to download a foreign app because you need some important service or pay a bill, etc.
I have done this so many times and am still doing but I make sure that I am following the most basic cybersecurity hacks to avoid any risk. After all, I want to leave my good memories behind, not my data! Here are my hacks that I feel every digital nomad must know to stay safe online abroad.
- Use A Secure Internet Source
Conscious internet use is my topmost priority in foreign lands. Sometimes, I face internet connectivity issues while dining outside or paying for the hotel, so I have to connect to public Wi-Fi in most cases. The actual problem is that not all Wi-Fi networks in public places are safe or securely encrypted. A wrong connection and hackers can enter my device and steal not just information but also do a lot of fraud.
To fix this recurring problem, I switched to the permanent solution- a VPN. You can use a reliable VPN compatible with your device for the best results. I use a Windows VPN on my laptop mostly, and it has helped me a lot in protecting my device’s data and stopping any potential online security breaches, in case of connecting to malicious internet sources.
Apart from using a public WiFi, I would highly recommend that you use your mobile phone’s data. I use it whenever possible for doing online transactions. If you have bought a local SIM abroad, make sure that you have properly shredded it after its use. Otherwise, hackers can use your SIM’s data to breach your online security.
- Do Not Open Suspicious Links
You might end up getting lots of emails or messages claiming lucrative deals and offers on travelling, accommodations, etc., during your vacation. While some of them might be genuine, there is a high chance that these links are linked to cyber criminals who are waiting for you to click those links, leaving your device vulnerable to cyberattacks. I repeat, never download any file from these links, and better, don’t click on them at all.
In case of clicking such suspicious links, your device can be exposed to malware or a hacker can hijack your data and use it to blackmail you. Never ever disclose your personal details or anything related to financial data on such emails. To prevent such incidents, I always download apps from the official site and keep antivirus software updated.
- Verify eVisa Portals Before Making Payments
In the past few years, the growth of eVISA portals has further opened doors for cybercriminals. While it is one of the best services for travellers, saving their time, fraudsters have created similar fraudulent eVISA websites to confuse users. So, if you are also applying for a visa online, double-check that you are using the legitimate and official website only.
If you directly search the eVISA website of a country online, you will see several links; most of them are from scammers. One of the easiest ways to do that is to go to the embassy website first and click the link to its official eVISA portal. Before entering my bank details for eVISA online payment, I thoroughly check to avoid any risk!
- Stop Oversharing About Yourself On Social Media During Travel
Ok, I totally get it that you have taken pictures and want to show your friends online how much you are enjoying it, but stop right there! Cybercriminals are also watching you and can easily track your real-time whereabouts if you do that. A small delay in posting pictures, at least when you have left that place, can save you a lot of trouble.
Moreover, never share personal information over social media platforms that scammers can use to invade your online privacy. People usually have passwords related to their birthdates, often mentioned in social media accounts. Hackers can easily connect dots and breach your data security if not handled smartly.
- Use Genuine ATM Cards Only
Using ATM cards is normal while travelling, but do you know that card skimming is happening because of that? Yes, if you have a habit of using ATMs located outside bank premises (especially poor security ATMs!), beware!
Fraudsters are now doing card skimming by attaching a small chip-like device to an ATM capable of capturing your ATM card’s data. So, if you are running out of money during your travel and need cash, it is always better to withdraw from bank premises, ATMs or those places that have functional CCTV and security guards.
Final Words
Now, you know the major hacks to save yourself from online fraud while visiting outside of your country. There are several things, from using strong passwords to using multiple-factor authentication features, for free to secure your device and accounts. In addition to that, don’t forget to keep your mobile phones and laptops updated and also install antivirus software to add an extra layer of security.
If you really need to use a public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to protect your network and then do whatever is necessary required to do. Your simple steps towards cybersecurity can greatly minimise risks and help you to stay safe.