7 Essential Tips to Keep Your Phone Safe While Travelling

 

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1. Add a phone passcode
2. Be Wi-Fi Wise
3. Privacy While Traveling
4. Update before Travel
5. Two is One. One is None.
6. Don't Take the Bait
7. Preserve More than Memories
8. Everyone Looks Cooler in Shades
9. And Now, Relax.
10. So, in summary:

Travel offers an escape from the daily routine, but also presents unique cybersecurity risks.  Safeguarding your phone against theft and online threats is crucial for a truly worry-free break. Here's our comprehensive strategy to help you keep your digital life secure while embracing new adventures. 

Add a phone passcode

It’s good advice for any time, home or away, but don't underestimate the power of a robust passcode. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and consider the added security of two-factor authentication where available. Explore password manager apps that can help you generate and store unique, complex passwords for every service you use.

Be Wi-Fi Wise 

Think twice before connecting to open public Wi-Fi networks without protection. If you can, use a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data. An even better alternative is an eSIM solution like BetterRoaming, which is a secure way to access affordable local data plans, minimizing your reliance on potentially insecure public networks. 

Privacy While Traveling

Be mindful of your digital footprint. Consider turning off location services within your camera app to prevent your photos from revealing your whereabouts. Minimize real-time social media updates, and instead upload photos and videos later from a secure connection. For even greater control, explore apps that allow you to scrub location metadata from photos before sharing them. It’s better to be selective about who you tell where you are, where you’re going, and how long you’ll be away from home.  

Update before Travel 

Updates for your phone's operating system and apps often contain vital security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities. Set your phone to automatically install updates whenever possible, especially before you travel. Also, getting essential updates while on your home network keeps down the demands on your roaming data. 

Two is One. One is None.

Everyone hopes that the trip goes perfectly, but plan for loss or theft. Proactively enable features such as "Find My Device" and remote wiping. These tools give you control to locate a lost phone or erase sensitive information if it falls into the wrong hands. Remember, unlike physical SIM cards, eSIMs cannot be easily removed, further enhancing your device's security. If you have a spare device at home, charge it and bring it with you as a backup. 

Don't Take the Bait

Cybercriminals often use phishing scams, sending emails or messages that appear legitimate but trick you into clicking dangerous links or sharing personal data. When in doubt, verify the sender's identity directly before interacting. Be on high alert for misspellings in email addresses that often indicate a fraudulent sender. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Look out for unusual or demanding language, requests for payment, or anything that pressures you to take immediate action. 

Preserve More than Memories 

Create regular backups of your phone's data, either to an external hard drive or to secure cloud storage whenever you are in range of a trusted Wi-Fi connection. This ensures you can recover precious photos, contacts, and documents even if your device is lost or damaged. Additionally, consider phone insurance which can help offset replacement costs if your device is stolen or irreparably damaged.

Everyone Looks Cooler in Shades 

Like sunglasses for your digital privacy, a directional screen protector prevents prying eyes from seeing sensitive information while you use your phone in public spaces. Be cautious about the applications you download, especially from third-party sources. Stick to official app stores and read user reviews to assess an application's trustworthiness. Lastly, invest in a portable charger so you're less likely to resort to charging your phone at potentially compromised public charging stations.

And Now, Relax.

Whether you've off to France for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Germany for Euro 2024, or any of the other 160+ destinations we cover, don't let cybersecurity worries dominate your trip. By adopting these proactive measures you can significantly reduce your risk of digital disruptions and focus on embracing the joy and exploration that travel brings.

Get enhanced safety and security on your next vacation with BetterRoaming eSIMs. Ditch the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards while reducing the risk of losing your main channel of communication. BetterRoaming eSIMs are embedded within your device, minimizing the potential for theft or damage so you can enjoy reliable connectivity abroad without compromising your digital well-being. To get your destination eSIM, visit BetterRoaming.com today.  

Keeping Your Phone and Data Secure While Traveling

 

Check Your Encryption Settings

Make sure that your phone is encrypted. Most modern phones have encryption automatically in place when you have a passcode, Face ID, Touch ID, or other biometrics set up, but if your phone is more than 5 years old, you should check.

You can check your security settings for iPhones by going to Settings > Passcode (or Touch ID and Passcode, or Face ID and Passcode), scrolling to the very bottom and making sure that "Data protection is enabled" appears at the bottom of the screen. Android devices have similar settings, but the location will vary depending on device.

Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device

Make sure Find My Device (Android), Find My iPhone (Apple), or other location services for your specific phone are enabled. This will allow you to locate and remotely lock/wipe the device if needed.

If your device is stolen, we recommend wiping it immediately and reporting the loss to T&I so we can remove it as an authorized Duo authentication device for you.

Boost Your Passcode Security

If you have a 4-digit passcode, consider changing to a 6-digit or longer passcode to thwart thieves.

Be Aware of Your Location & Wi-Fi Connection

Be wary of using your phone in conspicuous public places, especially where a thief may grab the phone while you are using it. 

Avoid untrusted public Wi-Fi where possible. If in Europe, your phone will be safest on a country-wide cell network (including when roaming with your US carrier.) Hotel Wi-Fi is often ok for general tasks, but be wary of malls and open public networks. Use caution when accessing any sensitive information, like bank accounts or Davidson accounts, and consider using a VPN in these situations.

If your phone is joined to eduroam at Davidson and you'll be near European universities, eduroam will work and is a great high-trust network to use.

Remove any Unnecessary Davidson Files

Delete any Davidson files containing confidential Davidson or student information that you may have downloaded to the phone.

Update Your Phone

Make sure your iPhone or Android device is fully updated to the latest security patches before you depart.