Holiday season brings with it a bustle and bustle that rivals any daily schedule. It’s easy to get distracted by all the holiday parties, shopping, and to-do lists. You forget to take normal online safety precautions. In the spirit of giving, here are five proactive cyber safety measures you can take to ensure your data is safe before you travel.
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Update your device software. The notification to download a new version of software always comes at the worst time. It’s understandable to want to decline an update, but it’s not in your best interest for your online security. Why? Software updates are not only useful for adding new features but also provide security patches and data protection. Learn more about the importance of software updates and patches.
Allow device locator apps It is simple to enable the tracking locator on an Apple device. You can set up the Find My app (formerly Find My iPhone), on your device. You will be able not only to track your device and wipe your data but also to initiate a sound to locate it if it is lost or stolen. If your device is found, you can lock it with a message to notify you. There are many apps that can track lost or stolen Android devices. Install a VPN. While most cybersecurity professionals will tell users to avoid free WiFi, we are honest and know that it is not possible. You can instead protect your data by being selective about what you do on free WiFi (hint, no online banking), and using a virtual private network (VPN), or personal hotspot, for a more secure connection. CNET’s top VPN services list is available for you to choose from and then install it. You can choose from the list of best VPN services from CNET, then install it and use it whenever you need to connect to a public network. To ensure you’re getting the best protection, use a service like Duo for easy-to-use and manage two-factor authentication.Purchase (and charge) a portable battery packDon’t let a drained battery stop you from documenting all of your holiday travels and fun, but also don’t use that free charging station. It is tempting to think that charging stations are easy for hackers to access your device and modify it to steal your information. You should always jiggle those things. As a backup, you can buy a portable battery pack. They don’t need to be bulky or large. You can find one that fits in your pocket, or even in your phone case. PC Mag’s review on the best portable chargers or power banks can be found here.
These simple steps will make it easy to manage your holiday travel without worry. Our IE Security Team is available to answer any questions you may have about online safety and data security.