While on vacation in Rome, my friend Julie and her 14-year-old daughter had an unfortunate encounter with a thief. They were trying to take a selfie when a man in his 30s offered to take their picture. Julie handed her iPhone over, only to have the man run away with it. This incident serves as a reminder that cybercriminals and real-life schemers can ruin your trip in various ways. To ensure your safety during your next vacation, follow these tips:
1. Avoid posting pictures of your boarding pass or other travel documents, as they may contain sensitive information that can be used against you.
2. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks, as cybercriminals can intercept your data. Avoid conducting online banking or accessing sensitive accounts on public connections. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or your phone’s hotspot instead.
3. Limit the information you share on social media while on vacation. Broadcasting your location or updates can inadvertently invite criminals to target your empty home. If you must share, make sure your profiles are set to private.
4. Keep details about your accommodations private, as this information can be exploited by criminals. Only share general information about the city or region you are staying in, and wait until you return home to share specifics.
5. Check your location settings on social media apps to ensure that auto-location tags are disabled. Sometimes, these tags can reveal your current location without your knowledge.
6. Avoid providing a day-by-day breakdown of your trip on social media, as this information can tip off criminals about when your hotel or residence may be unoccupied.
7. Exercise caution when using public charging stations, as they can be easily tampered with by cybercriminals. Carry a portable battery bank to ensure you have a secure source of power for your devices.
8. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, hackers will have a harder time accessing your accounts.
9. Use your credit card selectively, as card skimmers can capture your card information. Avoid using your credit card at unsecured ATMs or gas stations, and consider using alternative payment options like cash or mobile payments.
10. Keep a close eye on your devices, especially when in public places. Even a brief moment of distraction can allow someone to steal your device or install malicious software on it. Take preventive measures, such as setting up remote wiping capabilities for your devices.
Stay informed about the latest tech news and tips by subscribing to my free tech smarts newsletter. Additionally, you can listen to my podcast, “Kim Komando Today,” to stay up to date on all things tech-related. Remember to practice caution and prioritize your safety while traveling.
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