12 Cybersecurity Tips for Business Travel

Here are 12 cyber security tips for business travel that you should be aware of before your next trip to ensure the digital security of your business.

Cybersecurity for business travelers is an important topic because traveling for work might expose your company's and clients' data to significant risk. While on the go, your devices may be more vulnerable to scammers or burglars.

With cyber security risks continually growing and rising, it's critical to understand crucial cyber security advice for business travel and how to respond in the event of a cyberattack.

What are the best approaches to achieving digital security for business travel, and what aspects of cyber security should you consider?

What is cyber security?

Cybersecurity refers to the techniques that protect companies and individuals against internet dangers. Cyber dangers include social engineering, phishing, and malware. Cybercriminals may target businesses and attempt to gain unauthorized access to their systems, networks, and devices in order to steal private information or client data for financial benefit.

Cyber security in corporate travel is a major topic. As a business traveler, you are more vulnerable to cyber threats because you work outside of a secure office environment. You have a responsibility to safeguard your devices against cyber threats and ensure the security of your company's and clients' data.

During business travel, the chance of devices becoming infected with malicious software is substantial. This can occur if you connect to an insecure wireless network or use public computers or charging stations.

12 Key Points to Ensure Cybersecurity for Business Travel

Achieving cyber security for corporate travel is not an easy task, but following these 11 pieces of cyber security advice will ensure that you cover the most crucial components.

1. Lock down your devices.

When you are not using your device—whether a laptop, smartphone, or any other type of electronics for work—ensure that an identifying mechanism such as a password, PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition is required to unlock and access the system.

This can enhance your computer security when traveling and safeguard your devices from theft.

2. Update your passwords.

Are your devices password protected? Good. However, make sure to update your passwords on a frequent basis, especially before and after business trips. Using various passwords during work trips reduces the chance of compromised accounts. Thus, anyone who gains access to your credentials while you're away can't use them afterward.

Avoid reusing passwords across applications, accounts, and devices, and use strong passwords of at least 12 characters, including lowercase, uppercase, digits, and symbols. Using a password generator is a simple method for creating secure passwords that hackers cannot guess. To be particularly secure, use a password manager—a tool that uses powerful encryption—to keep all of your passwords in one place. You'll just need to remember your master password to access the rest.

If you are staying at a property with a safe and wish to utilize it, create a strong code to ensure information security.

3. Enable two-factor authentication.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your accounts, providing improved protection against fraudsters.

Two-factor authentication is a security solution that asks you to provide two pieces of identity when logging into your account. First, enter your user credentials, followed by a second piece of authentication information, such as a PIN, token, facial ID, or fingerprint.

Using 2FA improves the security of your online accounts. Even if someone succeeds in obtaining your credentials, they will be unable to gain access without the second factor of authentication. This can help lessen the severity of phishing attempts. If you submit your credentials on a phishing site, the extra layer of security will prevent hackers from accessing your account.

4. Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth carefully.

WiFi is essential when traveling for work, but it carries the risk of stealing valuable company or client information. A typical cyber security suggestion is to avoid utilizing public networks, particularly ones that lack password protection. If you need to connect to a public network, contact the personnel for the official name and password.

A vital piece of smartphone security advice is to turn off the Wi-Fi capability when not in use, as well as the automatic connection to available Wi-Fi networks. The same goes with Bluetooth. Turn off the feature when not using it to prevent data theft from device connections.

5. Use a VPN.

When working remotely or traveling for business, connect to WiFi via a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN decreases the risk of hackers monitoring your online activities and gaining access to your data and passwords by establishing a more secure connection through encryption. This is especially true—but not exclusively—if you are unable to avoid connecting to a public WiFi network.

You can perform sensitive tasks, like handling bank details and client information, with a VPN, ensuring that no one can intercept the data. It will also allow you to connect to your company's network and continue conducting your regular responsibilities while on the go.

6. Install the antivirus program.

Install and update antivirus software on all your devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Email attachments or URLs can send malware such as viruses, spyware, ransomware, and Trojans, which an antivirus detects, stops, and defends against.

Regular updates will keep your system up to date with the most modern virus safeguards, protecting you from attacks. However, be aware that antivirus alone will not protect you from all cyber threats.

7. Backup your files to the cloud.

Before going on a business trip, it's a beneficial idea to back up your devices' data to the cloud.

This will keep your data safe and accessible in case you lose any of your devices or run into any technical difficulties during your vacation. You can view your data from any device and location and interact with colleagues via file sharing, thanks to its remote server storage.

8. Minimize location sharing.

While information sharing is popular in the age of social media, do not go overboard. Your location is critical information that fraudsters can use to conduct phishing attempts or steal any devices or data that you may have left behind at your hotel while you are away. It may potentially reveal confidential information about your company's operations or clientele.

9. Keep your operating system up to date.

Keep your operating systems up to date by installing all essential updates. Having all of the latest updates loaded is critical for protecting your devices from continuously emerging cyber threats and lowering the chance of malware.

Don't forget to update your smartphone's apps, particularly the business apps you'll require while traveling.

10. Take data protections.

A smart business travel safety tip is to simply bring needed equipment and keep the exact information you'll need for your trip. This can help lessen the likelihood of a cyber attack or physical theft while you're away, as well as mitigate the severity of a prospective cyber assault.

Your company's IT staff may even lend you clean devices, allowing you to store only the necessary data, thereby minimizing the risk of additional confidential data theft. Check your company's travel policy or ask your boss if there is anything you may borrow.

11. Conduct a post-trip checkup.

Once your trip is over, visit your IT department to ensure all your gadgets are safe and free of malware. Those who do will know how to minimize the damage a cyberattack causes to the company and its customers.

12. Pray and be vigilant.

Pray covers you in every aspect of life. don't forget to always pray.

What to do in the event of a cyber attack

If you suspect or know you've been a victim of a cyber attack, here are some essential steps to take.

• Update any pending security updates.
• Turn off Internet access and Bluetooth on your devices.
• Change your passwords!

Then, as soon as possible, contact your IT department and provide data about the cyber attack. They will know how to identify the compromised systems, accounts, and data and how to mitigate the impact of the attack. A strong IT support is crucial for every business.

Corporate travel security is a legitimate worry. It's an important aspect to plan for before, during, and after a journey. By following all of the measures listed above, educating yourself about cyber security, and remaining cautious at all times, you may reduce your risk of falling prey to hackers.