For travelers who are often on-the-go, there is a growing risk and threat of identity theft in the modern digital world. It is very important to ensure you are taking the necessary precautions every step of the way, from planning to post-travel budgeting, to keep your information safe and secure. Use these few simple tips to minimize your risk, and travel with ease.
- Plan carefully: When planning travel, beware of sites you do not know or trust. Sites offering low prices on airfare or hotels may be promoting faulty deals, or may result in the installation of malicious software on your device. Be careful and keep antivirus software on your devices at all times.
- Lock your devices: Keep phones and other devices locked with a passcode and do not leave apps containing sensitive information open on your phone. You may also consider changing your passcodes before and right after your travel.
- Use Wi-Fi connections sparingly: When connecting to Wi-Fi, make sure you are not accessing sensitive material on your device. Limit the use of public Wi-Fi overall, as you do not know who else is using the connection as well.
- Secure your valuables: Utilize the hotel safe to keep valuables stored away. When you are out of the room, do not keep credit cards, identification or other valuable items in one single place to minimize damage if lost or stolen.
- Monitor activity after travel: In addition to letting your bank know about your travel plans before travel, keep an eye on your bank activity and report anything suspicious immediately.
Travel safely!