Travel safely — even digitally!

How to protect your data on vacation

Summer is the time for relaxation, travel and a change of scenery. But while many people leave everyday life behind, cyber criminals remain active — and use the vacation period to attack devices and steal personal data.

Because: Vacations = peak season for cyber attacks

Be careful with travel information by e‑mail or SMS

Phishing messages often look deceptively genuine and appear to refer to actual trips. To avoid being taken in, you should:

• Only check travel information via official booking portals.

• Do not click on any links in e‑mails or text messages.

• Enter websites manually in the browser.

WLAN & charging stations: practical, but risky

Public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports or cafés is convenient — but dangerous. Attackers can set up their own fake networks to tap into data. Use them instead:

• A VPN from a reputable provider.

• Own mobile data connections, if possible.

Just as tricky: USB charging stations. Malware can be transferred via manipulated connections. Better:

• Use your own chargers or power banks.

• Use data blockers that only allow electricity through, but no data.

Data economy — even on vacation

A photo of the pool or a short vacation greeting on social networks is quickly posted — but can become an invitation to break-ins. Automatic absence notes also reveal more than you would like. Therefore:

• Share personal information consciously and cautiously.

• Do not activate automatic responses if it is not absolutely necessary.

What to do if a device is lost?

It can also happen on vacation: A device is stolen or lost. You can protect your data with simple measures:

• Secure devices with PIN, fingerprint or Face ID.

• Activate remote locking and locating functions.

• Take only the essentials with you when traveling.

Conclusion

Cyber risks don’t take you on vacation. But with a little attention and the right protective measures, you can stay safe even when you’re away from home.

The BSI’s tips will help — and the DEFENDERBOX. It helps your company to identify and close security gaps all year round. So that data doesn’t go on the move while you relax.

Our technology automatically detects security gaps, documents them in an audit-proof manner — and provides specific, prioritized recommendations for action.

👉 Do you want to know how your IT security is doing? Find out now here Start cyber check. 

Stay vigilant — your IT will stay that way with us.