Marc:
Welcome back to another edition of Byte Sized Security, your source
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for bite-sized cybersecurity lessons.
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I’m your host Marc David, and with me
today I have expert Amelia Thompson
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to discuss an important topic
- keeping your devices, accounts and
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information secure while traveling.
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Whether headed on a work trip
or family vacation, travel
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introduces new online risks.
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Amelia joins me to share simple
precautions travelers can
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take to avoid cyber headaches.
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Let’s dive in!
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Amelia, great to have you on the show.
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Can you start by explaining some
of the unique cyber risks travelers
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face that people should be aware of?
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Amelia: Happy to be here Marc.
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Traveling inherently makes
maintaining our typical digital
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security defenses more challenging.
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Using unfamiliar public Wi Fi
and foreign networks creates
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risks of snooping or spoofing.
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Carrying and using devices in more
public settings increases chances
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of theft and unauthorized access.
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And accessing accounts remotely
can expose us to phishing attempts.
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Being prepared allows
minimizing these risks.
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Marc: Let’s start with public Wi Fi,
since many travelers connect to hotel,
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airport or cafe networks while on the go.
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What precautions do you recommend
when using public Wi Fi?
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Amelia: I suggest avoiding accessing
any sensitive accounts like banking
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or email directly over public Wi
Fi, as these networks are easy
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for cybercriminals to spy on.
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If you must use public networks, utilize a
trusted virtual private network (VPN) app
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to encrypt your connection for privacy.
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Also stick to HTTPS sites
which encrypt transmissions.
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And consider using your phone’s
cellular data for urgent logins rather
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than an open network when possible.
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Basically approach public
connections with great caution.
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Marc: What about securing the devices we
travel with, especially through airports?
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Any tips there?
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Amelia: Absolutely.
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Enable baggage tracking in airline
apps so your devices stay with
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your luggage during transit.
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Enable device location tracking as
well in case they are lost or stolen.
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Use device locks like fingerprints for
quick access while maintaining security.
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And keep devices on your person
rather than placing them in luggage
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compartments or rental car seats.
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Also disable Bluetooth and auto-connect
to avoid unauthorized access.
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A little extra care prevents
lost or stolen devices.
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Marc: Many travelers access their accounts
abroad to check email or bank balances.
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Are there any special
precautions they should take?
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Amelia: Definitely take measures to
verify your identity and lock down
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accounts when traveling internationally.
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Enable the strongest two-factor
authentication on sensitive
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logins before leaving.
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Set travel notices on financial
accounts to prevent fraudulent
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foreign transactions being blocked.
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Avoid public Wi Fi for
secure logins abroad.
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And monitor accounts diligently
for any unexplained activity.
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Basically be extra vigilant
about account security.
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Marc: What about the risks of
phishing attempts and social
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engineering that travelers often face
in airports, train stations, etc?
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How can people avoid getting hooked?
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Amelia: When traveling we’re often
rushing and distracted, which
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makes us prime targets for scams.
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Be very wary of anyone approaching
you asking for personal information
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like account details or social
security numbers for any reason.
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Avoid plugging devices into public USB
power outlets which could compromise them.
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And never enter credentials on
unverified networks or computers.
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Scammers exploit travelers’
haste, so always stay alert.
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Marc: Are there any other important
cyber measures travelers should
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take before a trip to be prepared?
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Amelia: A few things I recommend
are updating devices’ operating
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systems and antivirus software
to patch vulnerabilities.
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Back up any critical data in case
devices are damaged or stolen.
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Use password manager apps to access
stronger login credentials on the go.
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And know who to promptly contact if
accounts are compromised while traveling.
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Preparing devices, accounts and
contact plans helps minimize hassles.
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Marc: For listeners really worried
about travel security, are there any
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advanced steps or tools you suggest?
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Amelia: There are a few additional options
frequent travelers can consider like using
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burner or temporary “travel” phones devoid
of personal data for the trip duration.
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Enterprise mobile device management
solutions allow securely configuring
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company-issued phones with
restrictions tailored for travel.
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And some VPNs offer advanced
“split tunneling” features to
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finely control device traffic.
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But the basics we covered
provide fundamental security.
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Marc: Final thoughts for travelers
looking to stay cyber secure?
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Amelia: I would just remind travelers
to stay vigilant and patient when
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it comes to digital security.
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Using caution on open networks,
keeping close tabs on devices, and
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verifying unprompted login requests
before acting all go a long way
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towards a secure hassle-free trip.
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Safe travels!
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Marc: Outstanding travel
cybersecurity tips.
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Thank you for joining me!
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Amelia: Of course, my pleasure Marc!
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Marc: That wraps up this edition of Byte
Sized Security focused on maintaining
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your cyber protections while on the go.
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Implement key measures for your devices,
accounts, Wi Fi use and avoid scams.
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Stay safe out there on your next trip!
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For more security lessons, keep
listening to Byte Sized Security.
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See you next time.
