Summer is the perfect time for business owners and employees to take a well-deserved vacation. However, even when out of the office, many people check work emails or access network documents while traveling. Unfortunately, working remotely—whether from an airport, coffee shop, or hotel lobby—can expose your business to cybersecurity risks. Hackers know this and actively prey on travelers who may let their guard down.

In this post, we’ll cover essential cybersecurity best practices for you and your team to follow before and during any trip to keep your network safe from cybercriminals.

Why Cybersecurity is Critical While Traveling

When people are on vacation, they tend to relax and may not follow the usual cybersecurity precautions they take in the office. Hackers know this and take advantage, especially during high travel seasons like summer. Here are a few cybersecurity measures your business should prioritize to stay protected while traveling.

Before You Go: Cybersecurity Best Practices

1- Back Up Your Data
If your device gets lost or damaged, having a backup ensures you can recover important files without delay.

2- Update Your Software
Make sure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to their latest versions. Outdated software leaves your devices vulnerable to malware and other threats.

3- Secure Your Devices
Lock all devices with a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. This ensures that if your device falls into the wrong hands, your information stays secure.

4- Enable “Find My Phone”
This feature helps you locate your device if it’s lost and allows you to remotely wipe data if necessary.

While Traveling: Stay Safe Online

1- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it safer to use public WiFi. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the internet.

2- Avoid Public WiFi
Public WiFi may be convenient, but it’s also a hotspot for cybercriminals. Avoid using unprotected networks unless you have a VPN in place.

3- Manage Location Services
Location tools can expose your whereabouts to criminals. Turn them off when not in use and be mindful of sharing your location on social media.

4- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification. Make sure all accounts with sensitive information have MFA enabled.

5- Disable Auto-Connect Features
Turn off auto-connect for wireless and Bluetooth networks. You should only connect to trusted networks to avoid potential breaches.

Relax and Stay Protected

Taking these cybersecurity steps ensures that you can relax during your vacation without worrying about your business’s network security. However, these precautions are not foolproof. For complete peace of mind, your business needs professional IT support and managed IT services that monitor your network around the clock, patch vulnerabilities, and respond quickly to any threats.

Get a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment Before You Go

Before you or your employees travel, ensure your business is secure. Our team offers a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment to evaluate your current cybersecurity measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan that keeps your business safe.

Call us today at 718.412.9196 or click here to schedule your FREE IT Security Risk Assessment and secure your business before your summer travels.