TLDR
Everyday travel decisions – like using public Wi-Fi, charging at a public port or sharing your location – can expose your data without you realizing it.
A handful of small steps, before you go and while you’re away, can go a long way to protecting your financial and physical safety.
Itegrating a few cyber security checks into your pre-trip planning keeps you covered without extra hassle.
When in doubt, stick to your own devices, your own network connection and your own charging gear.
Have summer travel plans? Maybe you’re taking in an out-of-town concert, vacationing with the family or just getting away because it’s… summer.
Whatever’s on your itinerary, a good trip takes a bit of planning. During the busy summer season, the trips that go smoothly tend to be the ones where the flights, accommodations and essentials are sorted out ahead of time.
The same goes for your cyber safety. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, can keep your data and privacy protected while you’re away. Before you pack your bags, here are the do’s and don’ts worth adding to your list.
Why cyber security matters when you travel
Travel has a way of lowering our guard. We’re in unfamiliar places, juggling boarding passes and bookings, hopping onto whatever Wi-Fi is handy and pairing our phones with rental cars and hotel systems. That mix of distraction, public networks and unfamiliar connections is the kind of opening scammers look for.
So, what are they after? In most cases, it comes down to your money and your personal information – and here’s what they can do with it:
Intercepted logins or card details can lead to unauthorized charges or compromised accounts.
Personal information in the wrong hands can be used to open accounts or impersonate you.
Broadcasting your real-time location or an empty home can put your belongings at risk.
Common travel traps
You don’t need to be a security expert to stay safe, but it helps to know what some of the more common tricks look like:
Tampered USB charging stations: Those charging ports you find at airport gates and in hotel lobbies can be tampered with to install malware or copy data from devices that plug in. The cable that looks so convenient when your battery is at 4% may not be as innocent as it seems.
Fake public Wi-Fi: Scammers set up fake hotspots with names that look very close to the real thing – like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or a look-alike of your hotel’s network. If you connect to one, the person who set it up can potentially see what you’re doing online.
Lost or stolen devices: In busy airports, train stations and tourist spots, an unattended phone or laptop is an easy target. If it isn’t locked, whoever picks it up may be able to access the accounts and apps you’re still signed in to.
Travel-themed phishing: During busy travel times, fraudsters send fake booking confirmations, refund offers and delay notices designed to look urgent. A tap on the wrong link can hand over password or payment credentials before you’ve had a chance to think twice.
10 travel cyber safety do’s and don’ts
The good news is that a little awareness goes a long way. This pre-trip checklist can guide you on some do’s and don’ts to run through before and during your travels.
Charging up
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
Plug into public USB ports or use charging cables left behind at airports, hotels or cafes. |
Bring your own cable and a portable power bank – or use a USB data blocker if you must use a public port. |
Connecting to Wi-Fi
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
Bank, shop or log into sensitive accounts over free, public Wi-Fi. |
Use your phone’s personal hotspot or a trusted VPN. Double check the network name with staff before joining any network. |
Sharing your location
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
Post real-time photos or updates that reveal you’re far from home. |
Turn off unnecessary geotagging and hold off on sharing photos until you’re back home. |
Locking your devices
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
Leave devices unlocked or set to auto-connect to any available Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. |
Set a screen lock, switch off auto-connect and turn on two-factor authentication before you leave. |
Before you go
| Don’t | Do |
|---|---|
Head out the door with outdated apps or software – or no backup of your data. |
Bring your own cable and a portable power Update your devices and back up your files first, so losing your phone doesn’t mean losing all your files and photos. |
Enjoy the trip – and the peace of mind
These steps don’t need to slow you down or take the fun out of getting away. A few small cyber safety habits, packed alongside your sunscreen and travel adapter, can keep your data and privacy protected so you’re free to enjoy every moment of the trip.
For more tips and resources for banking safely and securely, bookmark and visit
FAQs
For casual browsing – like checking a map or reading the news – public Wi-Fi is generally fine. But if you’re banking, shopping or logging into important accounts, it’s safer to use your phone’s hotspot or a trusted VPN as they keep your connection private even on a public network.
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates a private, encrypted connection between your device and the internet – so even on public Wi-Fi, what you’re doing stays hidden from others. Setting one up is straightforward: choose a reputable provider (a quick search will show you a range of options), download their app to your phone or laptop, create an account and switch it on. Once it’s running, you can leave it on whenever you’re connected to a network you don’t fully trust.
It’s best to be cautious. Public USB charging ports can be tampered with to install malware or pull data from a connected device, so they’re not always as safe as they look. The simplest way around it is to bring your own gear – a wall charger that plugs into a regular outlet, plus a portable power bank when you’re away from one. If you do need to use a public USB port, a USB data blocker is an inexpensive accessory that lets you power up while blocking any data transfer.
It’s best to act quickly. Change the passwords on any accounts you’re worried about, turn on two-factor authentication where you can and contact your financial institution right away if you suspect your banking details were exposed. If your phone is lost or stolen, use your device’s built-in tools to lock or wipe it remotely.
A little preparation can go a long way. Update your apps and operating system so you have the latest security patches, back up your data, set a strong screen lock and turn on two-factor authentication for your key accounts. That way, if a device goes missing, your information stays protected.
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.
