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Modern technology has made traveling much less challenging but also introduces new problems.

Ten years ago, travelers’ only concern was keeping themselves safe from physical harm while on the road. Avoid leaving bags unattended, being unaware of your environment, and so on. But today, digital life brings new and greatly heightened hazards. 

The personal information you carry on your mobile devices is more valuable than the things in your suitcase. But it shouldn’t stop you from traveling. Just take the necessary precautions to safeguard yourself and your electronics.

You can use a few tools to increase your safety and lessen the impact of any security breaches.

1. Virtual Private Network

A VPN is quickly becoming an essential tool for modern travelers. 

You’re probably online somewhere—sharing images on WhatsApp, checking emails, buying flights, or binge-watching your favorite shows. A virtual private network will ensure your safety online, especially in public Wi-Fi.

A VPN secures your Internet traffic by routing it through a more secure server. This way, your data is safe from anyone trying to intercept it.

2. USB Data Blockers

The vast majority of USB cables, when plugged in, both supply power and allow for data transfer. That’s why you can charge your phone while transferring files back and forth between your computer and your phone.

However, hackers can create a system that seems like a public charging station that can steal data from connected devices.

It is helpful to have a USB data blocker since it prevents any data from being transferred. They can prevent hackers from stealing the personal information stored on your devices, such as images and passwords.

They won’t break the bank, and you can quickly integrate them into your current cybersecurity setup. Attaching one to your USB charging cable is the easiest method to keep one handy.

3. RFID Blocker

Debit card, wire transfer, and ACH fraud increased by 8% in 2021. And card skimming is a common way to commit financial fraud. Through skimming, criminals gain access to victim accounts, make unauthorized purchases, or sell the victims’ card details to other criminals.

Never purchase or enter personal information into a POS or ATM if you have doubts about its reliability. Always keep your credit or bank cards in RFID-blocking sleeves if you’re not using your credit or bank cards. Moreover, a secure cloud storage may be a good place to keep your banking credentials, not some note-taking app on the phone. These affordable and accessible precautions can reduce the risk of getting robbed online while you’re out and about.

4. Password Manager

It’s common knowledge that individuals don’t like having to memorize passwords. Thus, they often reuse the same password across multiple accounts. By doing so, they give the cybercriminal a backdoor into their accounts in case of a successful hack.

A unique password for each account is the most effortless way to avoid security problems. But there’s only so much the brain can hold, and difficult-to-crack passcodes are impossible to memorize.

Password managers can keep your data safe when traveling. With a password manager, you can store all your credentials in a centralized area and access them with a single master password.

It is also prudent to verify whether your credentials have been compromised and to change them frequently. Some password managers scan the web for personal data leaks and monitor your accounts for exposure.

Electronic dangers are omnipresent, but they’re more likely when traveling. It’s preferable to protect yourself than fall victim to hackers. Identity theft and financial fraud can last weeks or years. You’ll be less likely to be a sitting duck if you follow these precautions.