5 top tips for protecting sensitive information on holiday

Keeping our personal data safe while travelling abroad is one of the most important considerations for people before they set off.

Protecting your data and privacy, such as credit card information or internet passwords, ensures there are no shocks to be uncovered further down the line.

From checking emails to shopping online, it’s imperative that you remain digitally safe whilst you’re abroad.

Read on for our top five tips to avoid your data and privacy being compromised while travelling.

Be safe on the internet

Many airports, cafes and hotels provide ‘public’ internet connections. If you see the message ‘this connection is unsecured and others may see your information’, log off and find a secure connection.

Don’t access your bank account, email or any other accounts that hold sensitive information. Identity thieves can take advantage of unsecure connections, so avoid them at all costs. You could consider using VPN services to ensure that hackers on the same network can’t exploit this far-from-ideal connection to steal and sell your data. Look into expressvpn vs nordvpn comparisons to see which of the options is best for your specific uses and requirements. It could save you a whole lot of headaches and even money in the long run.

If you’re planning on playing online fantasy slots always make sure your personal details are encrypted while playing on the site.

Leave documentation at home

Private correspondence should be left at home. There’s no need to take things like bank statements abroad, so lock them up in a safe while you’re away.

When you’re travelling abroad, leave your hotel with just essential items. Any sensitive documents or treasured personal items should never be left lying around your room while you’re out, as this can leave you vulnerable to identity theft.

Create a travel email account

If someone accesses your personal or work email accounts through unsecured connections, the amount of damage they could do is scary.

Set up a travel email account for correspondence while you’re abroad, but if you must access your regular ones make sure it’s done in a safe and secure environment.

Keep your mobile phone in sight

Many people would be lost without their mobile phone as they invariably contains lots of personal details.

People rarely turn them off and they often remain logged into apps that offer ease access to sensitive information.

Set a password on the phone so if someone finds or steals it they can’t use it.

The advice for using public internet connections also applies as much to your phone as it does to laptops, computers or tablets.

Use bank cash machines

Identity thieves are always on the lookout for an easy win, so avoid cash machines in places like convenience stores or petrol stations.

Having your information stolen via a card reader installed in an ATM can cause you untold damage and inconvenience.

Security at bank ATMs is usually more stringent and although thieves do sometimes target these they generally stick to easier targets.

About Simon 131 Articles
A keen traveller and blogger who loves to explore the most amazing hotels in the world and enjoys nothing more than relaxing in luxury surroundings. When i'm not travelling and writing like to spend time with family and friends