Cybersecurity Best Practices for Vacation and Travel

Unfortunately, data breaches and other cybercrimes are not one of the concerns you can leave behind while traveling for work or leisure. In fact, mobile Internet access increases your chance of having sensitive personal information, such as an account login or payment information, stolen. Luckily, there is plenty you can do before and during a vacation to protect yourself, your devices, and your data from theft. At Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank, we are your local partner in security awareness. Keep reading for our best tips on vacation cybersecurity.

What should you do before you leave?

Add “card security and tech prep” to your packing list and make sure your debt card and devices are ready to travel before you throw them in your bag.

• Planning to use your debt card while traveling outside the state of Illinois? Let us know. Make the most of your Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank Debit Card by contacting our Solution Center at 1-866-770-3100 prior to your departure. By doing so, you will help protect your account from fraud, provide yourself a more secure option than carrying cash, and aid in avoiding account disruptions.

• If you make travel reservations through an online booking site, make sure it’s secure. Look for a small padlock symbol in your web browser’s address bar. Another sign of security is a web address that begins with “https://” instead of just “http.” Once you’ve established the security of the site, wait until you’re on a secure Wi-Fi network (such as home or work, instead of a public connection) before you enter your payment information.
• Update operating systems and software on your laptop and mobile devices. Have you been ignoring notifications about updating your device or downloading the latest OS? Take the time to install every recommended update before you leave on vacation. While you may think it’s no big deal, you could be missing critical security features that will leave you vulnerable to cybersecurity attacks.

• Password-protect your devices. Most people have a password for their phones, but what about your tablet or laptop? Set up a six-digit (which is more secure than four digits) or swipe-pattern password for your mobile devices. When it comes to laptops, create a minimum eight-character password with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Set your devices to lock automatically. If you haven’t already enabled this option, make sure your laptop, phone, and tablet will auto-lock after a brief period of inactivity. This will keep your sensitive personal information safe in the event that your phone is stolen.
• Use “Find my Phone” apps for Apple and Android. Register for this service on all of your mobile devices. If one goes missing, you’ll be able to track it from another device. You can also ring your lost phone and lock a device or erase data remotely.
• Back up your contacts, photos, videos, and other data. If your phone is stolen on a trip, you’ll be glad your precious memories are backed up in the cloud instead of lost forever.

Security during your trip

You want to relax and have fun on your vacation, but don’t let your guard down when it comes to cybersecurity. Use these tips to keep yourself safe while traveling.

• Don’t enter payment or login information over public Wi-Fi. While this service is very convenient for travelers, you need to be careful about the online activities you engage in over open networks that anyone can “spy” on. If you know you’ll need to log in to your bank account and perform other sensitive tasks, consider getting a VPN for your laptop. A “virtual private network” gives you a secure Internet connection wherever you are.

• Hold on to your devices. Tourists can be a prime target for pickpocketers. Take basic precautions like securing your phone on your person, not walking down the street while texting, etc. If you leave tech equipment in your hotel room, use a safe to secure it.

• Don’t advertise your “away” status. As tempting as it may be to post photos of your adventures as they’re unfolding, it’s best to wait until you get home. Letting people know you’re traveling could make your home vulnerable to burglary.

What to do when you return home.

Now’s the time to share vacation snapshots and stories on social media. It’s also the time to review your bank and credit card statements carefully to make sure there are no unauthorized or fraudulent charges. If you do notice anything amiss, contact our Solution Center at 1-866-770-3100 or any of your additional financial institution(s) immediately.

Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank is your local partner in Security Awareness

At Town and Country Bank and Peoples Prosperity Bank, we care about the safety and security of our customers. Download our mobile banking app, Alvy, to view your account balances and transaction history on the go. You can also suspend your debit card or report it as lost or stolen within the Alvy app. Contact us or visit one of our branch locations today to learn more about the ways we can help you stay cyber safe on your next vacation.