For students and parents in Northern Virginia, Spring Break officially kicks off tomorrow after the final bell (but who's counting?) If you're heading abroad for the week, excitement is high, but nothing ruins a dream getaway faster than falling victim to hackers.
Whether you're exploring a new city or lounging on a beach, staying secure online is just as important as keeping your passport safe. Many foreign countries have less secure internet infrastructures, which makes it easier for cybercriminals to target travelers.
The good news? There are simple precautions you can take before, during and after your trip to ensure your personal, financial information is safe. Read on for essential online security tips to ensure your Spring Break stays stress-free.
Before Your Trip
Set Up a VPN for Secure Browsing
Setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for your devices is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can stay safe and connected while abroad. And yes, you still have time to do this before you're wheels up.
When you're on a free public Wi-Fi network, anyone on the same network can easily get a hold of your unencrypted data, which can include usernames, passwords and more. A VPN encrypts your internet connection to prevent cybercriminals from intercepting your personal information.
There are lots of great VPN options out there for you to consider. We recommend choosing one that allows you to connect multiple devices so the whole family can stay connected. You should also check to make sure it works in the country or countries you're visiting and has an auto-connect feature, so you don't have to think about turning it on every time you get online.
Before you jet off to your faraway destination, download and install your VPN on all the devices you plan to use. Test it at home to ensure it connects properly to make sure you're all set for the big trip.
Set Travel Notices for Your Credit and Debit Cards
Going on a trip often involves shopping and indulging in local food and beverage (psst: check out Visa Offers + Perks for opportunities to save).
If you're using a card to pay for these things, be sure to let your provider know where you're headed so they don’t mistakenly flag your purchases for fraud and freeze your account.
Before you leave, let us know that you’ll be using your Apple FCU Visa® Credit and Debit Cards by setting a travel notice. You can do this easily in Apple FCU Online or Mobile App; check out our how-to video below for a step-by-step guide!
Update Your Devices and Apps
If you've been ignoring your phone or laptop's notification to update your software, now is the time to hit the download button.
Cyber criminals often exploit outdated software to hack into devices. That's why it's critical to make sure your devices are up to date so bad actors—both foreign and domestic—don't have the opportunity to take advantage of security flaws in old software.
While yo're at it, be sure to set up remote tracking features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device. This will allow you to locate, lock or wipe your devices in case you lose them or they are stolen.
During Your Trip
Avoid Public Wi-Fi Risks
Public Wi-Fi networks at airports, hotels and cafes are convenient but highly insecure. Hackers can set up rogue hotspots or use network sniffing tools to steal sensitive information like passwords and banking details.
One of the best ways to use Wi-Fi while abroad is to use a mobile hotspot or a portable travel router instead of public Wi-Fi. If you do connect to public Wi-Fi (let’s face it, sometimes you need to), be sure to use the VPN you set up for added protection.
Beware of Phishing Scams
Travelers are prime targets for phishing scams. Scammers know that you are in vacation mode and try to take advantage of you with fake emails, texts and pop-ups designed to steal personal information.
Some common tactics include:
- Unexpected login verification requests
- Fake hotel or airline booking confirmations
- Too-good-to-be-true travel deals.
When in doubt, go directly to the company's official website instead of clicking links in messages. A great rule of thumb is if you weren’t expecting it, don't click it.
After Your Trip
Change Your Passwords
If you logged into any sensitive accounts while abroad, it’s not a bad idea to change your password(s) when you get home.
Be sure to create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. It's best to use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters and avoid using easily guessable information.
We recommend using the Three Random Words method, in which you use three random words to construct a password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for hackers to guess.
Keep an Eye on Your Statements
At Apple FCU, we work diligently to track and prevent fraud, but it’s always a good idea to monitor your accounts after you return from vacation as an added layer of security.
For a few weeks after you return from vacation, be sure to review your eStatements to look for any suspicious charges. You can also set up alerts in Apple FCU Online or Mobile App to make sure you're aware of account activity.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your personal and financial information safe while traveling. Follow these steps to protect yourself so you can focus on making great memories instead of dealing with cyber headaches.
Your security is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way. You can find the latest in fraud prevention, online scams, staying safe online and while traveling and more on our Fraud Prevention page.
Safe travels!
