Cybersecurity should not be limited to the home, office, or classroom. It is important to practice safe online behavior and secure Internet-enabled mobile devices whenever you travel, as well. The more you travel and access the Internet on the go, the more cyber risks you face. No one is exempt from the threat of cyber crime, at home or on the go, but you can follow these simple tips to stay safe online when traveling.
Before You Go
- Update your mobile software - Treat your mobile device like your home or work computer. Keep your operating system software and apps updated, which will improve your device's ability to defend against malware.
- Back up your information - Back up your contacts, photos, videos and other mobile device data with another device or cloud service.
- Keep it locked - Get into the habit of locking your device when you are not using it. Even if you only step away for a few minutes, that is enough time for someone to steal or destroy your information. Use strong PINs and passwords.
While You Are There
- Think before you connect - Disable remote connectivity and Bluetooth. Disabling these features will ensure that you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you trust. Validate available public wireless networks by confirming the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff. Do not conduct sensitive activities, such as online shopping, banking or sensitive work while connected to public networks. Only use sites that begin with "https://" when entering credit card or bank information.
- Think before you click - Use caution when downloading or clicking on any unknown links or suspicious emails. Always review and understand the details of an application before installing.
- Guard your mobile device - To prevent theft and unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information, never leave your mobile devices - including any USB or external storage devices - unattended in a public place. Keep your devices secured while in taxis, at airports, on airplanes or in your hotel room.
Cindy is a Senior Vice President / Operations Director for Heartland Bank. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Outside of the bank, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family and going to garage sales and flea markets.
