The Internet is the world’s premier information superhighway. It is filled with promise and opportunity at every turn, yet there are bad actors lurking in the shadows too. Our ability to stay connected to our friends, family and colleagues comes at a cost. When we travel, we invariably sacrifice the security of our home network connections and rely on Internet services provided by public Wi-Fi, or other unsecure Internet networks. Unfortunately, usernames and passwords, bank account details, and personal information are at risk when we peel away the security layers and start exposing our information to the cyber criminals out there.
Is There a Magic Cloak to Hide Your Online Activity on the Web?
The interconnectedness of the web is a boon and a bane for everyday folks. Our enhanced communications allow us to maintain contact in real time, but they also present security challenges that we must constantly guard against. There are several tried and trusted techniques that people can employ to prevent malicious actors from stealing sensitive information and using it for nefarious purposes. One of the most comprehensive Internet safety resources available is securethoughts – a dedicated platform for the personal security needs for everyday folks.
Using a VPN to Protect Your Online Browsing Activity While You’re Traveling
One of the premier ways to protect your Internet sessions when you’re traveling is a VPN. A VPN is a virtual private network which a mask against spying eyes. Consider it an invisible shield that cloaks your browsing activity from would be hackers wanting to do you harm. By camouflaging your actual location and giving the impression that you are browsing the web from the server’s location through the VPN, you get to enjoy many benefits. For starters, you can bypass government constraints on geolocation-specific websites (this is a big issue in China and other repressive countries), and you can also access your favorite movie/TV streaming sites like Netflix back in the US, even while you’re in India, South Africa, Japan or elsewhere. By simply logging in through a VPN, or even a proxy, you get to enjoy these benefits in a safe and secure fashion.
There are many other ways that you can enhance the security of your information, your computer/s, and your data, including:
- Make daily backups of all your computer software, files, folders, and documents.
- Jitterbugs (burner phones) are great to use when traveling. While you’re at it, you may wish to get a cheap travel laptop with minimal personal data on it. If either of these devices is stolen, hacked or misplaced, you’ll not have to worry too much.
- Be sure to logout of all bank accounts, email accounts, and even your PC when you are done with a browsing session. This is a good habit to get into, even when you’re not traveling.
- The safest web browser to use while you’re traveling depends on what you’re looking for. Firefox is good for Privacy, Chrome is good for Security, and Tor is good for Anonymity.
- Use password protection on all your devices, and if possible use dual layer security systems.
- It is a good idea to delete personal information on your phone (i.e. apps) since these contain personal data that can be stolen if your phone gets confiscated at customs or misplaced on public transportation networks. Security experts recommend deleting apps from your phone but keeping copies of your username/password for reinstallation at a later stage.
- Try to use HTTPS wherever possible while traveling. These secure Wi-Fi connections are encrypted during your Internet transmissions.
