Summer Security Tips: Stay Safe On and Offline

Whether you’re heading on vacation, working remotely or simply enjoying more time outdoors, following a few security best practices can help protect your personal information, finances and property.

Cybersecurity Tips for Summer Travel

Keep Your Devices Secure
Your smartphone, laptop and tablet contain valuable personal and financial information. If you are travelling with them, ensure you install the latest software updates and security patches, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts, and use strong, unique passwords. Back up important files and turn on location tracking or remote wipe features so you can protect/retrieve your data if a device is lost or stolen.

Avoid Risks on Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, cafés and other public places can expose your information to hackers. To stay safe:

• Avoid logging into online banking or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
• Use a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever possible.
• Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices.
• Confirm you’re connecting to the official network before signing in.

Watch Out for Summer Scams

Scammers often increase their activity during the busy travel season. Be cautious of:

• Fake vacation rental listings
• Fraudulent travel websites and booking confirmations
• Phishing emails or text messages claiming there is a problem with your flight or hotel reservation
• Social media promotions or travel deals that seem too good to be true

Always verify offers through official websites before making payments or sharing personal information.

Protect Your Personal Information Online

Think carefully before posting vacation updates on social media. Sharing your location or travel plans in real time may alert criminals to your whereabouts and that your home is unoccupied.

Consider waiting until you return home before posting photos. Also review your privacy settings to limit who can see your content.

Secure Your Property Before You Leave

If you’re travelling, taking steps to secure your home and vehicle can reduce the risk of burglary. Before leaving:

• Lock all doors and windows.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Test your alarm system or security cameras, if installed.

Financial Security Tips

Whether you’re travelling within your country or overseas, protecting your finances should remain a priority. Remember to:

• Monitor your bank accounts regularly.
• Use secure payment methods.
• Never share your PIN, passwords or one-time verification codes.
• Review account alerts so you can quickly identify suspicious activity.
• Report lost cards or unusual transactions immediately.

Personal Safety in Public Places

Summer activities often mean crowded spaces. Help reduce your risk by:

• Keeping your phone, wallet and bags secure.
• Remaining aware of your surroundings.
• Covering the keypad when entering your PIN at ATMs or payment terminals.
• Carrying only the cash and cards you need.

Stay Secure While Working Remotely

If you’re working while travelling or from a different location:

• Use only approved devices for work.
• Lock your computer whenever you step away.
• Protect confidential information from being viewed by others.
• Follow your organisation’s cybersecurity policies, regardless of where you are working.

Good Security Habits Make a Difference

Security starts with awareness. By taking simple precautions to protect yourself, your devices, personal information and finances, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to criminals this summer.

A few minutes of preparation before you travel can help ensure your summer is memorable for all the right reasons.