8 Security Tips for a Hassle-Free Summer Vacation
It's easy to let your guard down when you're away. Hackers know that, too.
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It's easy to let your security guard down when you're away on vacation. Worries about credit cards, online bank accounts, and sensitive medical information getting into the wrong hands tend to fall by the wayside.
Hackers know that, too. Lurking in the ether, they're waiting for you to make a misstep.
"We don't want to discourage travel, but people need to understand that when you travel, your security is at a higher risk than normal," says Daniel Eliot, director of small business programs at the National Cyber Security Alliance.
What's a traveler to do? Eliot, along with T. Frank Downs, director of SME cybersecurity practices at ISACA, offer eight security tips that corporate users and home office workers can use to stay safe this summer. After all, the last thing anyone needs when trying to wind down is a nasty ransomware attack. Have fun – and be safe.
Why Cybercriminals Attack: A DARK READING VIRTUAL EVENT Wednesday, June 27. Industry experts will offer a range of information and insight on who the bad guys are – and why they might be targeting your enterprise. Go here for more information on this free event.
When people travel, they are more likely to use public networks at the airport and at familiar places, such as Starbucks or Panera Bread. Assuming your company has installed a corporate VPN program on your work computer, be sure to have the VPN enabled. If you are a sole proprietor and travel frequently for work, think about installing VPN software on your main work laptop.
Bottom line: Only access a public network with a VPN. When you are not using the network, turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and autoconnect.
Many users become so focused on the digital world that they often forget about simple physical security. For starters, always have an awareness of where your devices are located. Use the hotel safe. While it might not be foolproof, putting a laptop with sensitive information in a safe makes more sense than leaving it on the bed or desk in your hotel room.
Some companies are just saying "no" to thumb drives. The last thing you'll want to do is install a thumb drive with sensitive corporate information on your less-than-tech-savvy brother-in-law's computer, opening up your company to security issues. Before you leave your house, decide what documents and data you'll need for your trip, and leave the thumb drive behind.
This is especially important for people who handle sensitive corporate or personal information, such as those in law, defense, or healthcare. If you work in an office, before leaving shut down and remove all devices, and put away any sensitive papers that might be lying around. If you work in a home office, shut down and disconnect any computers and remote storage devices to prevent hackers from gaining access.
Never flaunt corporate assets. If the company has issued you a high-end laptop, it might make sense not to bring it on vacation. Better to use your phone or iPad for browsing the web to find local restaurants or check sports scores. You don't need your work computer for that. If the company has issued you a nice video camera for field work, resist the temptation to take it on vacation, as well.
Before you leave for your trip, run the security patches on all your devices. It's also a good idea to back up all your devices and ensure you have the data and documents that you're reasonably sure you'll need while away. If it's sensitive corporate data, best to leave it behind.
In addition, be strategic about the devices you take. Bring only what you know you'll need. It's also a good idea to use two-factor authentication on all your devices, and have a remote wipe mobile device management feature on your smartphone.
One more tip: Change the passwords on sensitive accounts when you get home. If you have used a company computer, have your corporate infosec team scan it and your other devices for any malware or security vulnerabilities.
Here's where people really need to think strategically. When you post photos while away to social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook, the bad guys then know it's the perfect time to either launch attacks on your digital assets or break into your house. It takes some willpower, but post your photos and tell people what a great time you had when you're back at home.
Also, be wary of taking photos looking out of your hotel window. Clever hackers can manipulate the reflections in the light to view sensitive documents that might be lying on the dresser or desk behind you.
Many travelers don't think twice about using the public computers and printers at a hotel's business office. If you have to use a public computer to access information or print something out, do so only for local entertainment or restaurants. Never access your bank account or a sensitive financial or medical site on a public computer. And certainly don't access the corporate network remotely.
Many travelers don't think twice about using the public computers and printers at a hotel's business office. If you have to use a public computer to access information or print something out, do so only for local entertainment or restaurants. Never access your bank account or a sensitive financial or medical site on a public computer. And certainly don't access the corporate network remotely.
It's easy to let your security guard down when you're away on vacation. Worries about credit cards, online bank accounts, and sensitive medical information getting into the wrong hands tend to fall by the wayside.
Hackers know that, too. Lurking in the ether, they're waiting for you to make a misstep.
"We don't want to discourage travel, but people need to understand that when you travel, your security is at a higher risk than normal," says Daniel Eliot, director of small business programs at the National Cyber Security Alliance.
What's a traveler to do? Eliot, along with T. Frank Downs, director of SME cybersecurity practices at ISACA, offer eight security tips that corporate users and home office workers can use to stay safe this summer. After all, the last thing anyone needs when trying to wind down is a nasty ransomware attack. Have fun – and be safe.
Why Cybercriminals Attack: A DARK READING VIRTUAL EVENT Wednesday, June 27. Industry experts will offer a range of information and insight on who the bad guys are – and why they might be targeting your enterprise. Go here for more information on this free event.
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