Summer is a popular time for business owners and employees to step out of the office and take a well-deserved vacation. Even with the “out of office” email responder active, many people will periodically check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside of the office – whether it’s a few simple check-ins on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or business travelers on work trips – can lead to major cybersecurity issues. If you or your employees will be answering urgent emails from the airport or accessing network documents in the hotel lobby, it’s essential to maintain strong cybersecurity best practices to avoid exposing the company’s network to hackers.
Cybersecurity might not be at the top of your vacation checklist, but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is a prime time to attack because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. For most vacationers, the focus is on enjoying time out of the office instead of ensuring they’re following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.
As a business leader or employee, you want to enjoy a worry-free vacation without compromising your company’s cybersecurity. However, the risk of cyberattacks while traveling can disrupt your peace of mind and potentially harm your business. By adopting essential cybersecurity practices, you can protect your data and enjoy your time off.
At NetWerks Strategic Services, we understand the importance of cybersecurity, especially while traveling. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to keep your data secure. We bring extensive experience and innovative strategies to ensure your cybersecurity measures are robust and effective.
To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet while on vacation:
Before you go:
- Back up your data: If your device gets lost or damaged, having a copy of your data available to restore is crucial.
- Update your software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device’s security.
- Protect your devices: Lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition feature. If you leave your device unattended, an unlocked device gives full access to your private information.
- Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate your device if lost and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.
While traveling:
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even on public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
- Avoid public WiFi: Public WiFi networks can be hotspots for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
- Manage location services: Turn off location services when not actively using them and limit how you share your location on social media to avoid exposing your whereabouts to criminals.
- Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable MFA for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving home.
- Disable auto-connect features: Some devices automatically connect to available wireless networks. Disable this option to prevent connecting to untrusted networks and ensure you only connect to known and secure networks.
These simple precautions can help you keep your device secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues.
By following these best practices, you can relax on vacation knowing your data is secure. However, it’s important to recognize that these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure that your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, working with a professional IT team is essential. They can monitor your network and endpoints 24/7, patch any vulnerabilities, and alert you if something suspicious occurs.
To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees are working remotely, call us at 413-786-9675 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.
At NetWerks Strategic Services, we are your trusted ally, guiding you to secure your data and enjoy a hack-free vacation.