Before You Connect: Cyber Safety Tips for Summer Travelers!

Protect Yourself and Your Finances While Traveling This Summer

Summer vacations are for relaxation, but they can also be a prime time for cyberfraud. For instance, connecting to a hotel Wi-Fi may seem harmless, but it can inadvertently put your personal and financial information at risk.

The Hidden Risk of Hotel Wi-Fi

You might be on vacation and connect to the hotel’s free Wi-Fi, to catch up on emails, book a dinner reservation, or check your investments. You assume it is safe because there is a password. But that free connection and password are broadly shared and therefore could expose personal and financial information on your devices to hackers.

Why Hotel Wi-Fi is Risky:

• Weak encryption: Many hotel networks lack strong protection.
• Fake networks: Hackers can set up lookalike hotspots to trick you.
• Data Interception: Hackers can capture unencrypted data—like login credentials, account information, and personal details.

How to Stay Safe While Traveling

Here are practical steps you can take to protect your financial information while enjoying your summer getaway:

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi
• Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to secure your connection
• Enable two-factor authentication on all applications
• Keep your devices updated so you have the latest security protection
• Use your own charger—skip public charging stations

Cybersecurity Habits Mean Uninterrupted Summer Fun

Just as you wouldn’t leave your wallet on the beach unattended, don’t leave your digital life unprotected on hotel Wi-Fi. Summer is for fun. Stay mindful of cybersecurity to keep your devices safe and make the most of the season.

Safe travels and stay protected!