The warmer weather is upon us, and most of us are ready to travel and take a much-needed vacation. Vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing, but the fun and leisure can come to an abrupt halt if your personal information ends up in the wrong hands.
If you’re planning a getaway this summer, you may want to consider these five tips for safeguarding your personal information.
Protection from Reservation to Beach Relaxation
From choosing a trustworthy website to book your travel, to relaxing on the beach, it’s important to stay vigilant in all stages of vacationing. How you access the internet, protect your devices, and what you share on social media while on vacation are all factors in keeping yourself and your information protected.
Here are five ways to help you enjoy a safer, more relaxed vacation.
1. Book from Secure Websites
When making reservations for airfare and your stay, be sure you’re booking through the official website of the company. You can verify the legitimacy of the web address by looking for “HTTPS” in the URL. This is important because cyber criminals create fake websites that look real but are designed to trick you into believing you’re making a legitimate purchase. However, when you enter your credit card information, you’re not making a purchase. Instead, your information is being transferred to a criminal with the intent to commit fraud.
2. Stop, Lock and Roll - Passcode Protect Your Mobile Devices
Our mobile devices are used for many things like work, paying bills, and staying up to date on the latest social media trends. This means our mobile devices are constantly gathering data that could be quite valuable for criminals. Enabling common security features and password-protecting your mobile devices is your first line of defense. If your phone is lost, stolen, or accidentally left on the beach (while you’re out catching some waves), it makes it difficult for a would-be criminal to gain access to the information on it.
Another way to reduce your risk of exposure is by leaving unnecessary devices at home. Not only will it free up space in your carry-on, but it will give you peace of mind knowing it’s safe.
3. If It's Public, Don't Trust It
Sticking to a password-protected network is your safest bet if you need access to the internet. Avoid connecting to free public Wi-Fi whenever possible.
Public charging stations, like those available at many airports, are convenient but pose a security risk. They make it possible for hackers to gain access to your devices. Instead, bring a portable charger or find a power outlet to charge your devices.
Bluetooth is great when needing to communicate with other electronic devices, especially in the car or at home. But when in public places, it’s best to disconnect your connection. When your Bluetooth connectivity is left open, anyone nearby could pick up that signal and gain access to your device without you knowing. Take a moment to avoid this threat by turning off your Bluetooth.
4. If You Don't Need It, Leave It
The safest place to keep sensitive information and documents is at home. There’s no need to bring your social security number or birth certificate with you. And if you're traveling domestically, you won’t need your passport.
Only bring one (or two credit cards) with you for purchases. Not only will it help control spending, but it will also help avoid any added risks, like misplacing it.
It’s best to get in the habit of monitoring your accounts regularly too. Before you leave for a day of sightseeing and when you return, be sure to check your accounts. The sooner you can spot unusual charges, the better. Just make sure you’re using a secure connection and logging out after each use.
If you notice something suspicious or don’t recognize a charge on your account, contact us immediately at 855.889.4328. or email us at psfcu@peachstatefcu.org.
5. Don't Overshare on Social Media
As tempting as it may be to post selfies and share your experiences online, don’t broadcast your location on social media. Criminals scour the internet to learn things about you, and revealing that you’re not at home may make you susceptible to theft. Post pictures when you return and limit the information on your whereabouts on social media.
6. Before You Go, Let Peach State Know
Now that you’ve equipped yourself with the know-how of protecting your sensitive information, mobile devices, and more, it’s time to pack your bags and hit the beach!
If you’re planning to travel outside the U.S., please call Peach State at 855.889.4328 or toll-free at 855.889.4328 prior to your trip to avoid service interruptions that may affect your Peach State debit or credit card(s).
