The security experts from the European security manufacturer ESET provide helpful tips to ensure that the holiday fun remains uninterrupted. This means holidaymakers don't experience any unpleasant surprises online before, during and after their trip.
Tourists are extremely wary of pickpockets while on vacation. But when it comes to their digital security, they are less cautious. Credit card fraud, data theft and identity theft seem to be lurking around every corner. Whether at the airport, hotel, campsite or internet café – cyber criminals use every opportunity to steal sensitive information from travelers.
“Public Wi-Fi hotspots are very popular on vacation, but also among criminals. They manipulate WLAN access to access login and banking data. Holiday guests should therefore play it safe and never enter confidential data such as credit card information there and use it to carry out online banking transactions or similar,” explains Thomas Uhlemann, IT Security Specialist at ESET. “But there are other scams that are designed to trap vacationers, starting before the trip.”
Tips for a safe online vacation
Before the vacation:
Beware of nasty rip-offs on online travel portals: Alleged holiday bargains are increasingly luring people seeking relaxation to fake web travel portals, where they unsuspectingly enter their credit card information. Instead of the vacation paradise they booked, they find an empty vacation fund in their account.
Secure your data: Install security software or update it to the latest version to protect yourself from phishing, Trojans and other malware. Make backups of your data. If the digital device is lost while on vacation, you still have the data to hand. Also use an anti-theft solution to find your stolen or misplaced device. Encrypt the data on the notebook for security.
Post less on social networks: Both before the vacation and in the middle of it, you should curb your excitement about the vacation. Real and virtual thieves are just waiting on Facebook and Co. to find out who is going on vacation and when. If you do post, then only in private groups that strangers do not have access to.
Have the blocking numbers on your credit card to hand: This way, if you lose it, you can immediately make the credit or debit card unusable.
Set up a “vacation email account”: This way you can send pictures and messages without worry. Even after a hack, no further personal data can be found on it.
On site:
Log out of the Internet café and delete data left behind: After using computers in a café, remove the browser's temporary files, browsing history and cookies. Log out of websites where you are logged in as a registered user. Otherwise the next internet surfer may still be able to access your account.
Only use WiFi hotspots with a VPN connection: just quickly check the balance of your travel budget or quickly pay a bill. Relying on open WiFi access while on vacation is not a good idea. Wi-Fi hotspots are often manipulated by cybercriminals in order to obtain data and money. Users should therefore also secure the connection with a trustworthy VPN solution or activate their data roaming and surf as usual via the mobile operator. It is better to only do online shopping trips or financial transactions after your vacation.
Be careful when making contactless payments: Credit and debit cards should be in a protective case or a special wallet with an integrated RFID and NFC blocker. Thieves have special devices with which they can read the data on them. In addition, it is better to rely on much more secure payment methods such as Apple and Google Pay.
Deactivate wireless networks: If you are not at work, it is better to turn off your Bluetooth and WLAN functions. This means that you offer criminals fewer areas to attack.
Never let your devices out of your sight: it only takes a few minutes to spy on your access data. And don't forget: The summer sun damages tablets and smartphones. High temperatures are “poison” for the electronics and the display.
Stay away from software updates and certificates: If you first have to update the software or download certificates for a WLAN connection, it's better to cancel the whole thing. It is not uncommon for malware to be hidden behind it.
After returning:
Do a malware scan: Before you connect the devices you use on vacation to the home network, you should check them for malware using security software or at least an online virus scanner.
Change your passwords on the services you use: After the holidays is a welcome opportunity to change passwords on social media, email services, etc. Better safe than sorry!
If you want to be on the safe side on vacation and in everyday life: With ESET Mobile Security, the European IT security manufacturer offers an all-round, worry-free package for smartphones and tablets with Android. In addition to virus protection, the security software also offers effective anti-phishing, an app lock and a comprehensive anti-theft module. Thanks to ESET, many users have gotten their device back after it was stolen. Further information at www.eset.de
Source: Eset press release
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Notes:
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