Vacations - not without a cyber security checklist

For a worry-free summer vacation, Malwarebytes provides an overview of what to look out for ahead of a trip. A cyber security checklist:

Before the start

1. Ensure operating systems and software are up to date on all devices that are taken. The Installing updates on the road can be difficult due to slow and unstable connections. In addition: You should always use a secure WLAN that you know is password protected.
2. It is also advisable to take precautions for the devices left at the workplace or at home. If unauthorized people still gain access to the desktop, they should not be able to collect valuable data. All devices should always be password protected (even the ones you take with you).
3. Valuable data on devices, which you have with you on vacation, should absolutely be secured, so that there is no double disaster when you lose it.
4. Dates or activities during the next trip should not announced via social media be. Criminals will otherwise get an insight into when the home is unguarded. Travel pictures should only be posted when you return.
5. Auto Connect options for the Automatically connect to open WLAN networks should be deactivated shortly before the start of the trip and network SSIDs should be forgotten in the individual device lists. Cyber criminals could misuse such functions for man-in-the-middle attacks.
6. When you use contactless EC or credit cards uses, one should for it matching protective covers so that no information can be tapped from the cards unnoticed.
7. One should use the Number of devicesthat you have with you on vacation, Limit to a minimum. The likelihood of something being damaged, stolen or lost increases the more devices you take with you.
8. It should be ensured in advance that the individual travel insurance covers all the equipment and any other valuables that you want to take with you.

During the trip

1. For example, if you park your car at the airport, of course, you should pay attention, not to leave valuable equipment behind. This is also a good time to Disable Bluetooth function of the cell phone, because the car is one of the few useful Bluetooth connections that you need. And when Bluetooth is off, it can not be used for unwanted purposes.
2. Airports and other public places when traveling often offer free and unprotected Wi-Fi. There are risks associated with using such networks. Security can be increased by using an encrypted connection - for example via VPN applications - used.
3. When using the hotel WLAN, it should be ensured that the Connections secured with passwords are. And if you need to access sensitive, work-related data despite being on vacation, an established VPN connection is essential.
4. Privacy screens make sure that only the person currently sitting in front of the screen can read what is written on it. This can keep people from secretly watching what you are doing. Good privacy films are easy to apply and available for laptops and many handheld devices.
5. One should public computers never for sensitive internet traffic use. Of course, this includes online shopping and other financial transactions. While on the move, it's safer to spend money at your destination than online.
6. Who Webmail services should keep in mind that this may be less secure than reading the emails in the preferred email client. Some webmail services have HTML enabled by default.
7. A fully updated anti-malware solution for all devices is essential. Malwarebytes offers solutions for many operating systems and device types.
8. Since you don't want to take laptops and other devices with you when sightseeing, make sure it is A safe place for devices not in use there to store them. Not every hotel safe is big enough for a laptop. Hotel concierges can usually tell you if there are other options for storing devices safely. Simply leaving them in the room is not advisable.

When traveling abroad

1. Devices to take with you on vacation, should be fully loaded be. They may be used for a while before you get another option for charging. Different cables, power plugs, and adapters might be needed to charge devices at the destination or at stops along the way.
2. Not only in the USA, but also in some other countries, insight into social media accounts is required upon entry. It can be wise in exceptional cases, remove questionable comments, to avoid further investigation.
3. Vacationers traveling to the U.S. should be prepared to be asked to show their device and reveal their password. You should therefore make sure in advance that there is nothing on it that could get you into trouble.

When you get back home

1. Anti-malware solutions should be activated and manual Scans performed on devices to search for uninvited guests caught along the way.
2. If devices were purchased abroad, they should be checked for Conformity with German law verified be. In some countries, devices are sold with pre-installed monitoring software.
3. The Bank account should be checked for unexpected withdrawals or expenses be analyzed. The respective bank or the individual credit card provider should be informed immediately if one suspects that the credit card has been used by unauthorized persons.
4. As an additional precautionary measure, one should Change passwordsused during the absence. If someone managed to gain access to accounts during the trip, this can prevent them from causing damage with a changed password.

Source: Malwarebytes