Is November’s grey weather tempting you to take a vacation? A little sunshine would certainly do you a world of good!
To avoid having your well-deserved break spoiled by the theft of your personal data, here are some useful tips to put into practice before you leave on vacation.
- Avoid public computers – Public Wi-Fi or public computers available to you in hotels, for example, should be used only as a last resort. Communicating certain identifiers and banking data on this type of unsecured equipment may allow malicious individuals to retrieve them. It’s better to use your personal laptop that has been properly secured beforehand.
- Don’t travel with devices provided by your employer – Unless you have permission from your employer, bringing your office equipment in your luggage could compromise the security of your work environment through the use of social networks or the installation of the latest mobile app. It’s imperative that your company’s computer equipment be used exclusively for your professional activities.
- Use a VPN – If you need to log in to your work environment from your vacation spot, always bear in mind that your communications may be intercepted. The best practice is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), software that allows you to encrypt your communications. If you don’t have access to a VPN, tether your mobile phone to your laptop. Your phone will then act as a router, enabling you to connect to the Internet securely from your laptop.
- Share your vacation photos and videos… when you return! – Resist the temptation to post your vacation photos and videos on social media while you’re still traveling. Cybercriminals could take advantage of your absence to commit a scam targeting your friends and family members, or even your employees or team members.
- Update applications and software – Software or application updates are intended to fix bugs, but also to protect against potential security vulnerabilities. That’s why you should ensure that your software (especially your anti-virus protection) and your mobile applications are up to date.
If you put these tips into practice, you’ll be better equipped to prevent potential cyberattacks. Remaining alert and adopting good habits will enable you to enjoy the sun and the beach with peace of mind!
Happy holidays to all!
André Daoud, B. Sc. A.
Vice-president, IT and Technology Management
