Vacation time always means a lot of organization and preparation. Nowadays, not only sunscreen and swimming trunks are mandatory in your luggage, but also your cell phone, tablet or, for some people, even your work laptop. But our useful helpers are exposed to many dangers on the way - theft, diving or even virus infection.
Sophos has therefore put together a few measures to ensure that devices and data get through the holiday safely. Best applied BEFORE departure:
Back up all devices
You should also make backup copies of your data as regularly as you do dental checkups and the like. Many systems do this themselves after a certain cycle. If this doesn't happen yet, the right time to do it is before the vacation. And as is always the case with securing things - if you clear out things beforehand, you will have less to store afterwards. So it's a good opportunity to get rid of accumulated data or store it in a secure cloud. It's easier to travel with less luggage - even abroad, where you have to specify your data amount in certain regions.
Encrypt all devices
The easier the lock code is to remember, the easier it is to crack. As a reminder, you can store your PIN safely in another location using a system that you can still understand even in chaos. The SIM card should also have its own PIN set up and activated (very useful if the device is stolen).
If you take a company laptop with you, choose a very good password (uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, special characters and long) and also encrypt the hard drive separately.
Use public Wi-Fi, yes, but:
You can do it because the dangers here can be calculated and stopped. But please surf on safe sites, identified by https://. It is even safer to set up a VPN tunnel for all internet traffic. If you don't want to use public Wi-Fi, you can buy a local SIM card with a prepaid data plan for the duration of your stay. But: since most countries require their telephone providers to have so-called legal interception options, these mobile data tariffs are not anonymous.
Do not use kiosk PCs at airports or hotels
You should only take advantage of this offer if it is the only alternative. The following applies: provide as few logins or personal data as possible and only run the most necessary applications such as printing out a boarding pass or similar. Never online banking.
Please note the entry requirements of the holiday country
Entry usually goes smoothly. But there are also countries that check the devices they carry very carefully and sometimes make copies of data storage devices. If you don't want that, you should reconsider taking the device with you. Some holiday paradises require an address (including email) and telephone number. It is best to observe the relevant regulations of the destination country BEFORE entering the country.
Special case: Unexpected business email
Just because you go on vacation yourself doesn't mean that all your colleagues will also go on vacation. If an unexpected and strange message comes from an employee or business partner, you should not respond to it directly, but first verify it via other channels (phone, SMS, company chat program). Because the chance of a targeted phishing email is great.
One last piece of advice at the end: With the tips mentioned above, you can take your devices with you on vacation with a clear conscience. But whether at home or abroad, the international motto has proven itself: “If in doubt, let it out!” – when in doubt, it’s better to stay away.
Source:
Sophos
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