LOOKING at how travelers stay connected during their holidays, a cyber security expert reviews how security can slip through the cracks.
This year, travel and technology were more intertwined than ever.
Many vacationers relied on airport WiFi to quickly check emails, logged into airline apps with the same old password or shared streaming account log-ins.
While these habits make holidays easier, they also expose common security pitfalls.
Connecting to the internet via unsecured networks make easy opportunities for cyber criminals. Reusing the same password across multiple booking apps can keep things simple but it also adds to the risk of cyber criminals securing your details.
“Risks are far from theoretical,” says Karolis Arbaciauskas from NordPass.
“Fake WiFi hotspots set up in airports, hotels, or even beach cafes can look identical to the real thing.
“Once connected, cyber criminals can monitor traffic and capture log-in details.
“If your credit card information is stored in one of those accounts for ‘quick checkouts,’ your holiday could quickly turn into a nightmare — with bank alerts cutting your vacation short.”
Holidays should be carefree but the digital traces we leave behind don’t disappear with the season.
“A single weak password or unsafe connection can undo months of careful planning,” Arbaciauskas said.
Connectivity choices can play a big role in digital risks.
“Many travelers admit they connected to whichever WiFi popped up first — often without checking if it was genuine.
“That convenience, while tempting, can be what opens the door to attackers.”
Tips
• Audit your passwords: replace any that are weak, reused or shared.
• Think twice about WiFi: public hotspots are a hacker’s favorite playground — use mobile data or a VPN.
• Keep accounts personal: sharing log-ins may seem harmless, but it weakens your digital defenses.
• Use tools that do the heavy lifting: a password manager helps generate and store strong, unique passwords effortlessly.
Password managers
NordPass is one of a number of digital password manager apps available.
Password manager software apps helpscreate, store and manage passwords and other sensitive information in a secure, encrypted digital vault.
It gives you strong, unique passwords for each online account without having to remember them all.
To access a password manager, all you need is to remember the master password, key, PIN and/or biometrics such as Face ID.
To decide which password manager app to choose, go online and you’ll find a number of reviews and comparisons to help you make your choice.
