Published July 16, 2024 • 5 Min Read
For many people around the world, summertime is the time to travel – the weather’s warm, school is out, and the pace of life often slows down. If you’re thinking of traveling this summer, it’s worth taking a moment to consider these cyber security tips – so you can stay safe while you soak up the sun.
Whether your summer vacation is just an idea, or you have your itinerary all mapped out, make cyber security part of your preparations. Even before you book your first flight, tour, or hotel, consider these tips to keep you and your family safe during your vacation.
Before you book
It’s no secret that the cost of travel has gone up in recent years, so would-be travelers are on the hunt for deals. While there are legitimate bargains out there, it’s important to be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. For every reputable booking agency, there’s a fake one advertising lower prices. Here’s how to avoid booking your trip with a scammer:
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Book from the source. That is, book your room directly with the hotel and your airfare with the airline.
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Use reputable companies. If you find a good deal, make sure you’re booking with a reputable company – such as Expedia or Hotels.com. Be wary of any agencies you’ve never heard of.
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Use a credit card to book. Avoid booking with companies that require you to send an e-Transfer or wire transfer, as when that money is gone, it’s gone. On the other hand, most credit cards come with some form of fraud protection benefits and may be able to reverse a bogus charge.
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Don’t book a trip presented to you from a robocall. There are many scam calls that boast free or low-cost vacations. Don’t fall for it!
Before you leave
OK, you’re booked and confident you’ve made your arrangements with legitimate companies. What’s next? If you’re heading overseas, you may need to renew your passport or secure a visa. Or, you may want to buy travel insurance to protect yourself while you’re away. Here are some tips to consider:
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Only renew your passport directly with the government (i.e., the Government of Canada or the U.S. Department of State). There are some sites and agencies that claim to be able to expedite passport applications or process them for less money. Not only will these scammers steal the money you paid for your passport (and never deliver), but they will also have collected valuable personal information from you that they could then use to commit more fraud.
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Only buy travel insurance from a reputable company. Visit the insurer’s website directly (i.e., not through a link received by an email or text) or call the number listed on their website to purchase.
While you’re away
While you’re away on vacation you don’t want to be worried about cyber fraud – but a few key prevention tactics can keep you and your family safe.
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Don’t post your location on social media. A photo in front of an out-of-town landmark signals to others that you’re not at home. And when geotagging is enabled on your photos, fraudsters can see where you are at any given moment.
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Use public Wi-Fi wisely. While away, you’re likely conscious about using network data, as roaming charges can certainly add up. As a solution, many travelers turn to public Wi-Fi. Although convenient, these networks are less secure because they can be easily accessed by anyone in range, including potential hackers. Find out how to use public Wi-Fi safely.
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Be cautious about Bluetooth. If you’re renting a car, you may wish to connect your phone to its infotainment or navigation system. Be sure to unpair your phone before returning it, as your data could be retained in the system if you don’t properly disconnect. It’s also a good idea to disable your Bluetooth network while travelling to prevent unwanted connection attempts.
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Keep your device secure. If you haven’t already, add a PIN or passcode to your device and set it to lock immediately after the screen times out. Keep your device with you at all times and avoid charging it on devices you don’t own or control (i.e., someone else’s laptop).
If you’re planning a trip this summer, there’s a lot to plan for. Be sure to incorporate cyber security preparation to help ensure a safe and worry-free vacation.
Sources used in research:
https://vancouversun.com/travel/5-tips-avoid-vacation-scams
https://www.sevencorners.com/blog/travel-tips/how-to-not-get-scammed-on-vacation
https://protectme.blog/devices/connecting-your-phone-to-a-rental-car/
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/cyber-safe
This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
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