How to Protect Your Financial Security When You Go on Vacation
Summer vacation time is here. While you may be on vacation the bad actors that want to compromise your security do not take vacations. Instead, they have an eye out for when you do. Here is how to keep them from compromising your online safety while you travel:
Before You Go:
Sign up for fraud alerts from your financial institutions.
Many major banks and credit cards can send you free alerts by text, email, or phone call if you have a suspicious transaction. Be sure to call and see if this service is available, and that you have it activated before you leave on vacation.
Turn off location services and auto connect for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your devices.
These can be a great convenience, helping you move seamlessly through your day. However, if you leave them on while you are on vacation, anyone sitting nearby (in a hotel or coffee shop) can track you or get access to your data. If you take your laptop, turn off auto file sharing.
Enable PINs and passcodes on your devices.
This is your first line of defense in case your phone is lost or stolen. Also, check to be sure it is set to require the password in the shortest amount of time. This may be annoying for you, but it will be even more annoying for the “bad actors.”
Install anti-virus protection.
Be sure all your devices are equipped with virus protection and that they are running the latest updates.
While You Are Away:
Use only password-protected Wi-Fi from networks you recognize.
Avoid “free” public Wi-Fi – you might pay the price of giving the “bad actors” access to your information. Most hotels (and even some restaurants) have password protected networks.
Do not post your vacation on social media while you are away.
Even if you or one of your family members is “Instagram Famous,” stay off social media platforms while you are away. Your posts are broadcasting to strangers that your home is vacant, as well as giving plenty of clues when you are not at your hotel. Post highlights from your trip when you get back home.
Be careful on public computers.
If you use a public computer – in your hotel business center or an internet café, for example – be sure to log out of any accounts you accessed before leaving. If you need to check financial accounts, it is usually safest to do it from a wired connection – not Wi-Fi – or a cellular connection on your phone. Also, if a URL starts with https, it means you have a more secure connection.
Remember that identity theft protection is a more robust way to help keep you safe – it can go beyond fraud alerts and credit freezes to detect additional forms of identity fraud with existing accounts, or criminal, medical, or Social Security misuse.
Click here for a handy Vacation Checklist for your use: Important Documents.
