Summer brings a welcome break for many business owners and employees, but staying connected while on vacation can pose significant cybersecurity risks. Whether you’re checking in on work emails from a beachside cafe or accessing company documents in a hotel lobby, it’s crucial to maintain strong cybersecurity practices to safeguard your network from potential threats.
Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling
While cybersecurity might not be the first thing on your vacation checklist, neglecting it can turn your getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals are active during summer, capitalizing on relaxed security measures when people are away from their usual environments. Enjoying your time off shouldn’t mean compromising your company’s security.
To mitigate the risk of cyberattacks while traveling, here are essential practices to discuss with your team:
Before You Go:
- Back Up Your Data: Ensure your important data is backed up in case your device is lost or compromised.
- Update Your Software: Update all operating systems, web browsers, and applications to their latest versions to protect against known vulnerabilities.
- Secure Your Devices: To prevent unauthorized access, set up PINs, passcodes, or biometric locks (like fingerprint or facial recognition) on all devices.
- Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate or remotely wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen.
While Traveling:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Always connect through a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Refrain from using unprotected public Wi-Fi networks; if you must connect, use a VPN to secure your data.
- Manage Location Services: Disable location services when not needed to minimize exposure of your whereabouts and be cautious about sharing location details on social media.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of security to accounts containing sensitive information.
- Disable Auto-Connect: Turn off automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections to prevent inadvertent connections to insecure networks.
Enjoy Your Vacation with Peace of Mind
Implementing these straightforward precautions can help ensure your devices remain secure,
allowing you to relax and enjoy your time away without worrying about cybersecurity threats.
However, it’s essential to recognize that these steps are not foolproof. For comprehensive
cybersecurity measures, consider partnering with a professional IT team. They can provide
continuous network monitoring, promptly address vulnerabilities, and alert you to any suspicious
activities.
To prepare for a worry-free vacation and ensure your business remains secure while working
remotely, contact us at (973) 828-0488 or click www.ibsre.com to schedule a FREE IT Security
Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts. We’ll assess your current cybersecurity
infrastructure, identify potential risks, and develop a customized security strategy to safeguard
your company.
Travel smart and stay safe online –protecting your business starts with proactive cybersecurity
practices, even during your well-deserved break.