My son was just traveling to the US, and the "unthinkable" happened. When he was in the middle of Manhattan, trying to find his way to New Jersey, the day before he had to take the bus to camp, his phone broke. There was a surprise cloudburst and despite trying to keep his phone dry, because of a slight crack that it got, the phone broke. For the first few hours he could only see the top third of the screen, and he managed somehow to make it to where he needed to go in New Jersey, but by the next morning his phone was completely unusable. It was not great (to put it mildly) but for all times for the phone to break, at least it was the night before camp, where he'd be for 5 weeks straight, and where they were only even allowed to use their phones on their off hours, so I could actually mail a new phone to him, instead of the entire rest of the trip where he needed a phone all the time and was constantly on the move.
Traveling is a great way to break free from your daily routine, but it also comes with unique cybersecurity risks. Protecting your phone from theft and online threats is essential for a truly worry-free vacation. Follow our comprehensive guide to keep your digital life safe while you explore new places.
Add a Passcode Security
It’s good advice for any time, home or away, but don't underestimate the power of a robust passcode. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider the added security of two-factor authentication where available. Explore password manager apps that can help you generate and store unique, complex passwords for every service you use.
Use Privacy Protection Tools
Be mindful of your digital footprint. Turn off location services in your camera app to keep your photos from revealing your whereabouts. Instead of posting real-time social media updates, upload your photos and videos later from a secure connection. For more control, use apps that remove location metadata from your photos before sharing them.
To set up a secure phone, you need a VPN. A VPN app will provide private and anonymous access to the Internet and social networks. True, there are difficulties when using a VPN. To get past VPN blocks, you just need to choose a more reliable provider. VeePN works stably with any streaming services, and if you're interested in running Android apps on your PC, you might want to consider using BlueStacks, which is a popular emulator. You can start with it.
Check Your Encryption Settings
Ensure your phone is encrypted. Most modern phones handle encryption automatically if you use a passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, or other biometrics. However, for phones older than 5 years, it's essential to verify this.
Checking encryption on iPhones:
Using public Wi-Fi can be convenient and help you save data while traveling. However, these networks are often not secure. Hackers can exploit security gaps in what’s known as a “man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack” to intercept your data, including financial information and account logins. Scammers might also create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate hotspots.
If you rely on public Wi-Fi during your trips, consider using a reputable VPN app on your phone или Chrome VPN extension for PC. While you may know VPNs can disguise your location for streaming content from other countries, they also encrypt your connection. This encryption prevents hackers from reading your data, offering you peace of mind when performing sensitive tasks like online banking over a free Wi-Fi network.
Prepare For Losing Your Smartphone
Always plan for the unexpected on your trips. Enable features like "Find My Device" and remote wiping to locate a lost phone or erase sensitive information if necessary. eSIMs add an extra layer of security, as they can't be easily removed. Also, consider bringing a fully charged spare device as a backup.
Use a Screen Protector
Phil Baker, president of Techsperts, recommends using a tempered glass screen protector like LionCover. Not only does it protect your screen from scratches, but it can also absorb impacts if your device is dropped.
Protect Your Phone From the Cold
Both extreme heat and cold can affect your phone. Apple advises against using iPhones in temperatures under 32 degrees, as this can cause the battery to drain or die. Some Android phones perform better and can handle below-zero temperatures. If you must use your phone in the cold, limit its exposure and keep it warm in your pocket when not in use. Using a protective case like Salt Cases can also offer some protection.
Write Down Important Numbers
Before your trip, make sure to write down important contact numbers for family and friends in case of an emergency. Without these, you might struggle to get help if you can't access your phone's address book.
Also, note down your phone’s International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This unique identifier is crucial for filing a police report if your phone is stolen. You can find the IMEI in your phone settings or by dialing *#06#. Additionally, jot down your cellular network provider’s helpline number to quickly block or cancel your SIM card if needed.
Back Up Your Photos
If your phone gets lost, damaged, or stolen during your vacation, you could lose years of precious photos. To avoid this, make sure to back up your photos to online storage or a hard drive before you leave. While traveling, activate automatic photo backups on your phone to keep your new memories safe.
Conclusion
While this guide focused on securing your phone and data while traveling, it's important to remember that these same precautions should also be taken at home. Cybersecurity threats are present no matter where you are, so it's essential to make digital safety a priority in all aspects of your life.
Traveling without a phone simply isn't possible in today's day and age. You need to protect not just your phone itself, but also your data, especially when you're traveling. Here are some ways to keep your phone safe, which is helpful especially while traveling, but is good advice all the time.
Add a Passcode Security
It’s good advice for any time, home or away, but don't underestimate the power of a robust passcode. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider the added security of two-factor authentication where available. Explore password manager apps that can help you generate and store unique, complex passwords for every service you use.
Use Privacy Protection Tools
Be mindful of your digital footprint. Turn off location services in your camera app to keep your photos from revealing your whereabouts. Instead of posting real-time social media updates, upload your photos and videos later from a secure connection. For more control, use apps that remove location metadata from your photos before sharing them.
To set up a secure phone, you need a VPN. A VPN app will provide private and anonymous access to the Internet and social networks. True, there are difficulties when using a VPN. To get past VPN blocks, you just need to choose a more reliable provider. VeePN works stably with any streaming services, and if you're interested in running Android apps on your PC, you might want to consider using BlueStacks, which is a popular emulator. You can start with it.
Check Your Encryption Settings
Ensure your phone is encrypted. Most modern phones handle encryption automatically if you use a passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, or other biometrics. However, for phones older than 5 years, it's essential to verify this.
Checking encryption on iPhones:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode, or Face ID & Passcode)
- Scroll to the bottom and confirm that "Data protection is enabled."
- Go to Settings.
- Look for Security or Lock screen & security.
- Check for encryption settings and ensure your data is protected.
Using public Wi-Fi can be convenient and help you save data while traveling. However, these networks are often not secure. Hackers can exploit security gaps in what’s known as a “man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack” to intercept your data, including financial information and account logins. Scammers might also create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to legitimate hotspots.
If you rely on public Wi-Fi during your trips, consider using a reputable VPN app on your phone или Chrome VPN extension for PC. While you may know VPNs can disguise your location for streaming content from other countries, they also encrypt your connection. This encryption prevents hackers from reading your data, offering you peace of mind when performing sensitive tasks like online banking over a free Wi-Fi network.
Prepare For Losing Your Smartphone
Always plan for the unexpected on your trips. Enable features like "Find My Device" and remote wiping to locate a lost phone or erase sensitive information if necessary. eSIMs add an extra layer of security, as they can't be easily removed. Also, consider bringing a fully charged spare device as a backup.
Use a Screen Protector
Phil Baker, president of Techsperts, recommends using a tempered glass screen protector like LionCover. Not only does it protect your screen from scratches, but it can also absorb impacts if your device is dropped.
Protect Your Phone From the Cold
Both extreme heat and cold can affect your phone. Apple advises against using iPhones in temperatures under 32 degrees, as this can cause the battery to drain or die. Some Android phones perform better and can handle below-zero temperatures. If you must use your phone in the cold, limit its exposure and keep it warm in your pocket when not in use. Using a protective case like Salt Cases can also offer some protection.
Write Down Important Numbers
Before your trip, make sure to write down important contact numbers for family and friends in case of an emergency. Without these, you might struggle to get help if you can't access your phone's address book.
Also, note down your phone’s International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This unique identifier is crucial for filing a police report if your phone is stolen. You can find the IMEI in your phone settings or by dialing *#06#. Additionally, jot down your cellular network provider’s helpline number to quickly block or cancel your SIM card if needed.
Back Up Your Photos
If your phone gets lost, damaged, or stolen during your vacation, you could lose years of precious photos. To avoid this, make sure to back up your photos to online storage or a hard drive before you leave. While traveling, activate automatic photo backups on your phone to keep your new memories safe.
Conclusion
While this guide focused on securing your phone and data while traveling, it's important to remember that these same precautions should also be taken at home. Cybersecurity threats are present no matter where you are, so it's essential to make digital safety a priority in all aspects of your life.