Did you remember to back up your important files before the trip goes south? And do you think about what you put on Facebook during the journey and what significance it might have? Read along here if you want to prepare as well as possible to avoid being hacked on your holiday.
The summer holidays are just around the corner and many Danes see the opportunity to forget their busy everyday life by packing their bags and taking a trip south.
Something that most people never forget to take with them on holiday is digital equipment.
After a whole day filled with a lot of impressions, there are many who prefer to check their email or see how many likes the latest Facebook photo has received.
However, there can be pitfalls when you bring your smartphone, tablet, or laptop on holiday. So before you log on to the first wireless network you find, read along here, where IT security expert Janus R. Nielsen from the IT company AnyTech365 gives you 10 tips on how to best get through the summer holidays with your digital equipment.
1. Always take a backup before departure
Before leaving, it's always a good idea to make a backup of your important files, photos, and everything you don't want to lose in case your personal data is stolen either physically or online. You can use an external hard drive or upload to the cloud. Then you can go on holiday with peace of mind, should the accident happen.
2. Protect your digital devices
Make sure your smartphone, tablet, or laptop is updated with the latest software. This applies to both apps and updates. Often, updates to the operating system are incredibly important, as they help close small holes in the system. Also, install an antivirus program. Not just on the computer, but also on your smartphone and tablet.
3. Find your mobile phone
Set up your mobile so that you can track where it is if it is stolen. You also have the option to delete all data on it even if you are not near it. Also, have a phone number ready that you can call to block your SIM card if necessary.
4. Turn off the automatic Wi-Fi connection
Go to the settings on your mobile and tablet and switch off the function that automatically connects you to wireless Wi-Fi. Otherwise, you may run the risk of it looking for wireless networks without you noticing. Also, make sure your internet sharing is turned off.
5. Beware of fake wifi networks
It can be tempting to log on to the first free Wi-Fi network you find but beware of fake networks controlled by cybercriminals. The main rule is that you should never log on to a network if you do not know who the provider is. When looking for wifi networks at your hotel, you should have a staff member confirm the exact name of the network. In this way, you avoid logging on to a fake network that a hacker has created to cheat you. Especially in areas with a lot of people, cybercriminals often set up fake networks where they wait for tourists to log in so they can try to steal personal information. The best thing to do is to refrain from logging into wireless networks that do not require a password.
6. Surf safely
Avoid logging into online banking or other pages where you have to enter sensitive information such as your CPR number or NemID. Avoid shopping online and generally avoid using your credit card online when surfing on a foreign network.
7. Think about Facebook updates
Many suggest that it is a good idea to wait to upload holiday photos on Facebook until you are back home, as thieves can follow if you do not have your privacy settings under control. If you are "check-in in" and uploading photos so that those at home can follow along, make sure that your privacy settings are set so that only your friends can see your posts. Also, think about what information you pass on, so you don't write on your friend's wall that the spare key is under the mat, so she knows when she has to water the flowers.
8. Use a VPN solution
A good idea is to use a VPN solution, so that it becomes more difficult for IT criminals to track your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. With a solution like this, the internet traffic is encrypted, which makes it almost impossible for fraudsters to get in touch with your personal data.
9. Beware of fake apps
Many tourists download apps abroad to get good advice on finding the best restaurants, translating languages, reading recommendations from locals, or finding their way around the city. However, it is important to be aware of who the providers of the various apps are, as they may be fraudsters. Feel free to check the app's reviews and a number of downloads before downloading it.
10. Use strong passwords
The first step in the direction of increased security is strong passwords. With passwords that are difficult to crack, it becomes much more difficult for IT criminals to gain access to your digital devices. Therefore, use both upper and lower case letters, numbers, and characters, and make your passwords a minimum of 10-12 characters. Make a sentence that only you can remember. For example "Huset_brändte_in_1990" or "Hundenføde5Hvalpe". In general, it is a good idea to change passwords regularly, especially when you have returned from a holiday. If you have been logged on to different networks, you may run the risk that your private information has been intercepted, but will only be misused at a later stage.