Digital Safety for Travelers

Protecting your devices, data, and digital identity while traveling

Pre-Travel Digital Preparation

Device Security Setup

[ ] Update all software – operating systems, apps, and security patches
[ ] Enable strong authentication – two-factor authentication on all accounts
[ ] Set strong passwords – unique passwords for each account
[ ] Enable device encryption – full disk encryption on laptops and phones
[ ] Activate find/wipe features – remote location and data erasure capability

Data Backup and Protection

Account Security Review

[ ] Review account permissions – apps and services with access to your data
[ ] Enable login notifications – alerts for suspicious account access
[ ] Update recovery information – ensure you can regain account access
[ ] Pause unnecessary services – reduce digital footprint while traveling
[ ] Inform banks of travel – prevent fraud alerts on legitimate transactions

WiFi and Internet Security

Public WiFi Safety Protocols

[ ] Use VPN services – encrypt all internet traffic
[ ] Verify network names – confirm legitimate WiFi networks with staff
[ ] Avoid sensitive activities – no banking or confidential work on public WiFi
[ ] Turn off auto-connect – prevent automatic connection to unsafe networks
[ ] Use cellular data – mobile hotspot instead of public WiFi when possible

Hotel and Accommodation WiFi

Internet Café and Business Center Safety

[ ] Avoid personal accounts – never log into banking or personal email
[ ] Use private/incognito browsing – don’t save passwords or browsing history
[ ] Clear all data – delete browsing history, downloads, and saved passwords
[ ] Assume monitoring – treat all activity as potentially visible
[ ] Bring your own device – use personal laptop instead of shared computers

Device Protection Strategies

Physical Device Security

[ ] Never leave devices unattended – in hotels, restaurants, or transportation
[ ] Use device locks – screen locks, cable locks, and security cases
[ ] Keep devices visible – maintain control in crowded areas
[ ] Distribute devices – don’t carry all electronics in one bag
[ ] Use hotel safes cautiously – for non-critical items only

Theft Prevention and Response

Airport and Transportation Security

[ ] Keep devices charged – avoid borrowing chargers or using public charging stations
[ ] Use charging protectors – data-blocking USB adapters
[ ] Separate valuable electronics – during security screening
[ ] Monitor devices during screening – watch for tampering or theft
[ ] Secure devices during sleep – on flights and long transportation

Social Media and Communication Safety

Social Media Guidelines

[ ] Limit location sharing – avoid real-time location posts
[ ] Delay travel posts – share experiences after returning home
[ ] Review privacy settings – limit who can see your posts and information
[ ] Avoid itinerary details – don’t share specific travel plans publicly
[ ] Be cautious with photos – avoid images that reveal location or valuables

Communication App Security

Email and Work Communication

[ ] Use secure email services – avoid unencrypted email for sensitive information
[ ] Be cautious with attachments – don’t open unexpected files
[ ] Verify sender identity – confirm important messages through alternate methods
[ ] Use work VPN – for accessing company resources remotely
[ ] Follow company policies – adhere to organizational digital security guidelines

International Digital Considerations

Border and Customs Security

[ ] Understand search rights – some countries can search devices at borders
[ ] Minimize sensitive data – remove confidential information before travel
[ ] Use encrypted storage – protect sensitive files with strong encryption
[ ] Know your rights – research digital privacy laws in destination countries
[ ] Have legal contacts – know who to call if devices are confiscated

Government Surveillance Awareness

[ ] Research local laws – understand digital monitoring practices
[ ] Use secure communication – encrypted apps and VPN services
[ ] Limit sensitive activities – avoid controversial or sensitive online behavior
[ ] Consider burner devices – temporary phones/laptops for high-risk destinations
[ ] Document normal device state – record what’s normally on your devices

Internet Censorship and Access

[ ] Research internet restrictions – blocked websites and services
[ ] Download content offline – maps, guides, and entertainment before arrival
[ ] Use reliable VPN services – research which VPNs work in your destination
[ ] Have backup communication – alternative methods if primary services are blocked
[ ] Understand penalties – legal consequences of circumventing restrictions

Financial and Payment Security

Digital Payment Safety

[ ] Use secure payment methods – chip cards, contactless payments, trusted apps
[ ] Monitor accounts regularly – check transactions frequently while traveling
[ ] Enable transaction alerts – immediate notifications of all account activity
[ ] Use travel-friendly cards – no foreign transaction fees, chip and PIN capability
[ ] Have backup payment methods – multiple cards from different providers

Banking App Security

[ ] Download apps before travel – avoid downloading financial apps on foreign networks
[ ] Use official app stores only – never download banking apps from third-party sources
[ ] Enable app-specific PINs – additional security layer for financial apps
[ ] Log out completely – don’t stay logged in to banking apps
[ ] Use secure networks only – avoid banking on public WiFi