In a world where technology and travel frequently intersect, ensuring the security of your tech devices on the move is crucial. We’ve gathered insights from six experts, including a travel photographer and a president, to share their strategies and personal experiences. From securing your devices with vigilance and technology to staying cautious with remote tracking, discover their valuable advice on tech safety while traveling.

  • Secure Devices with Vigilance and Technology
  • Minimize and Protect Tech on the Go
  • Always Use a VPN
  • Apply Cybersecurity Expertise and Zero Trust
  • Protect Devices with Passwords and Backups
  • Stay Cautious and Use Remote Tracking

Secure Devices with Vigilance and Technology

Ensuring the security of my tech devices while on the road is a top priority, especially with my work as a travel photographer. I’ve developed a routine that includes always keeping a vigilant eye on my photography gear and ensuring my bags are securely zipped in crowded areas. I activate instant-lock features on all my devices, such as my MacBook, which locks as soon as it’s closed. I’m particularly cautious about entering my phone’s passcode in public to prevent anyone from looking over my shoulder and memorizing it.

To increase security, I enable stolen-device protection on my iPhone, which is a safeguard against unauthorized changes to my Apple password. I also always use a VPN, like ProtonVPN, when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks to protect my online activity from potential snooping. Additionally, placing an Apple AirTag in each of my bags offers an extra layer of security, allowing me to track their location at any moment. This approach has kept my gear safe and sound throughout my travels.

Andy FeliciottiAndy Feliciotti
Travel Photographer, ihitthebutton


Minimize and Protect Tech on the Go

As much as we rely on gadgets, we must be cautious about their safety. It is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure the security of our tech devices while on the go, particularly when navigating unfamiliar territory.

You can do several things to safeguard your electronics, such as using a VPN, installing antivirus software, securing your Wi-Fi network, and avoiding public charging stations. I minimize the number of devices I carry when traveling to reduce the risk of misplacing them or theft.

I also rely on secure Wi-Fi networks and avoid accessing sensitive information in public. With a bit of planning and care, we can enjoy the convenience of our technological gems without worrying about their safety while traveling.

Finn WheatleyFinn Wheatley
Executive Consultant of Data & Technology, Xtrium


Always Use a VPN

I always use a VPN whenever connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, especially when accessing sensitive information like banking or email.

An experience I had was when my friend’s phone was hacked while we were traveling. She had connected to a public Wi-Fi network at a café without using a VPN, and her personal information was compromised. This incident taught me the importance of being cautious with public Wi-Fi and made me even more vigilant about using a VPN.

Additionally, I always make sure to keep track of where my phone is at all times while traveling, as it contains a lot of personal information and access to various accounts. With technology being such an integral part of our daily lives, it’s crucial to prioritize its security while on the go, especially when you are an avid traveler like me!

Jo LarsenJo Larsen
Travel Blogger, Best Family Beach Vacations


Apply Cybersecurity Expertise and Zero Trust

As someone who has written extensively about cybersecurity and tech safety, particularly with a focus on home and business network security, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the precautions necessary to protect tech devices while traveling. From ensuring robust passwords for devices and networks to advocating for multi-factor authentication, my experiences underscore the critical nature of maintaining digital security on the go.

One personal experience that stands out involves a business trip where I needed to access sensitive data remotely. Aware of the vulnerabilities public networks pose, I opted for a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt my data, a practice I’ve championed in my writings. This decision proved invaluable when I later learned of a security breach that occurred on the hotel’s Wi-Fi network during my stay. The VPN effectively shielded my connection from potential cyber threats, a testament to the importance of using such tools while accessing the internet in public spaces.

Additionally, the concept of ‘zero trust’ in cybersecurity, which I’ve explored in managed IT services, has influenced how I protect my devices. While traveling, I ensure that my devices are always updated with the latest security patches and that I carry out regular security checks. This approach is based on the idea that no device or network, not even those we’re familiar with, should be trusted implicitly. This mindset was crucial when I discovered an attempt to infiltrate my device via a seemingly legitimate software update prompt while using a café’s Wi-Fi. My skepticism and habit of manually verifying updates directly through the software’s official website prevented a possible malware installation.

These experiences, coupled with my professional focus on cybersecurity strategies and practices, highlight the nuanced approach required to safeguard tech devices in various environments. They underscore the efficacy of combining advanced technological solutions, like VPNs and rigorous update protocols, with a cautious and informed user behavior—principles I apply and advocate for consistently, both in my writing and personal practice.

Lawrence GuyotLawrence Guyot
President, ETTE


Protect Devices with Passwords and Backups

When traveling, I avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks or charging stations unless absolutely necessary and rely on my mobile data and power banks.

Furthermore, all my devices are password-protected, with ‘Find My’ features activated and two-factor authentication for all logged-in accounts. Since I travel a lot for work, I usually make it a point to back up important files, make copies of documents, and keep a hard drive handy.

Sam RobertsSam Roberts
Digital Marketing Manager, Connect Vending


Stay Cautious and Use Remote Tracking

I always keep my devices nearby and never leave them unattended. I also make sure to use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, and regularly update my devices’ security settings and software. Additionally, I avoid using any unknown or unsecured USB drives or charging stations.

My personal experience has taught me the importance of being cautious and proactive in protecting my tech devices while traveling. Once, while on a trip abroad, my phone was stolen from my bag while I was distracted.

Thankfully, I had enabled remote tracking and locking on my device, which helped me locate it and prevent any unauthorized access to my personal information. Since then, I have become even more vigilant about keeping my tech devices safe during travel.

Krixelle SantKrixelle Sant
Founder & CEO, Sell My House Fast For Cash


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