Keep These Cybersecurity Tips in Mind When Traveling

Thanks to the innovations of our digital age, you can truly choose your own adventure when it comes to travel. Go unwind in a windmill, or do yoga in a yurt. But along with this unprecedented access to faraway places and experiences—often just a few clicks away—comes a growing wave of risks. 

Scammers know that travel takes most of us out of our normal routines, making us less guarded than usual and more susceptible to various fraud tactics, many of which occur online and involve mobile devices. 

Bitdefender’s all-in-one Premium and Ultimate Security plans are smart picks—both offer strong multi-device protection and unlimited VPN for safe browsing on public Wi-Fi. The Ultimate plan adds extra peace of mind with identity theft monitoring and financial protection. But if you’re only bringing your phone, Bitdefender Mobile Security gives you the essentials without the extra bulk.

We’ve rounded up the most recent and common travel security scams and tips based on guidance from the experts at Bitdefender. 

That ‘Free’ Airport WiFi Could Cost You A Lot

The modern airport arrival routine is to drop off your bags, go through security, and then check if the airport offers free Wi-Fi. (Or, perhaps, do the last thing first.) But be aware that scammers have been known to set up fake Wi-Fi networks at airports and other touristy spots with the intent of stealing your data. 

Ensure that you disable the auto-connect feature on your mobile device to prevent joining open networks while traveling. Avoid using free public Wi-Fi if you can, or use a VPN on your mobile device to protect your data from potential exposure. Bitdefender Mobile Security (available for iOS and Android devices) offers multiple layers of security, including a mobile VPN, when you’re on the go. 

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Questionable Listings for Places To Stay 

The boom in popularity of booking sites and vacation home rental platforms has not gone unnoticed by scammers. Among their fraudulent tactics, criminals create fake listings on legitimate websites and even set up entirely fake listing sites to lure you into clicking and paying. 

You can protect yourself from these traps by sticking to reputable sites and checking that a site has proper credentials (“https” in the URL; SSL), live customer service agents, and secure on-platform payment methods. Moreover, using a credit card as a payment method, even when you have strong trust in the platform you’re using, can serve as another security measure, since most cards offer fraud protections that lessen your risk of loss in the event of unauthorized transactions. A comprehensive cybersecurity solution like Bitdefender Ultimate Security can help you avoid suspicious websites altogether.  

Phony Apps Offering Local Services 

When you’re traveling, particularly in foreign countries, you’re likely to face the choice of downloading an app you’ve never heard of. Maybe it’s ostensibly for a regional airline, or an urban bike share system, or gets you access to cultural destinations. Treat these with caution, as travelers have reported that fraudsters create malicious apps meant to appear legit. 

Before downloading any new apps while abroad, investigate the developer who listed it. Always go through a trusted app store, as well. If an app is unlisted on, say, the Google Play or Apple App Store, that’s a major red flag. Complement your own vigilance with Bitdefender’s Mobile Security solution, which can filter internet traffic sent and received by all your apps and prevent it from being misused. 

Bitdefender also knows that a traveler’s mobile device becomes their essential tool while away from home, helping them navigate their journey in practically every way. That’s why Bitdefender’s Mobile Security suite was built to have minimal impact on battery life, so that you’re not cutting short the experience or sacrificing security. To learn more, visit Bitdefender.com.