Holiday Travel Cybersecurity Tips: How to Protect Your Devices While Traveling
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for travel. Individuals and families travel long distances to visit loved ones, often juggling tight schedules, crowded airports, and multiple digital devices. Unfortunately, these same conditions make travelers prime targets for theft, data breaches, and cybercrime. Criminals know that stressed and distracted travelers are more likely to let their guard down.
Whether you’re traveling for business or personal reasons, keeping your devices and data secure is essential. Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and work devices often contain sensitive personal and business information. A few proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk and help ensure your trip doesn’t turn into a cybersecurity incident.
Follow the three-step approach below—Prepare, Pack, and Practice—to reduce cybersecurity risks while traveling this holiday season.
Prepare Your Devices Before You Travel
Most travelers carry multiple devices today, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and work-issued equipment. Preparing your devices before you leave is one of the most effective ways to prevent data loss or unauthorized access.
- Install the latest operating system and security updates on all devices
- Enable antivirus or endpoint protection software
- Use a reputable VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks
- Turn on device location tracking and remote lock or wipe features
- Review your organization’s travel and device security policies if traveling with work equipment
When flying, security checkpoints require devices to be removed from your bag. Keep them in sight at all times and consider adding a small identifying mark, such as a sticker or case, to avoid mix-ups with similar-looking devices.
Pack Devices Securely While in Transit
How you pack your devices can significantly impact their security, especially during busy travel days.
- Store electronics out of sight when traveling by car, ideally in a locked trunk
- Always lock your vehicle, even during brief stops
- Never pack laptops or lithium batteries in checked luggage when flying
- Arrange carry-on bags so devices can be quickly removed at security checkpoints
- Use a checklist or mnemonic to keep track of critical items during transitions
Repeating your checklist when leaving security lines, boarding areas, hotels, or rental cars can help you quickly identify missing items and backtrack before it’s too late.
Practice Strong Cybersecurity Awareness While Traveling
Once you’re on the move, staying alert is essential. Travel environments like airports, rest stops, hotels, and cafés are common targets for both physical theft and digital attacks.
- Never leave devices unattended or ask strangers to watch them
- Be aware of shoulder surfers and people watching you enter passwords or PINs
- Avoid suspicious charging stations or unsecured public Wi-Fi networks
- Watch for card skimmers at payment terminals and ATMs
If a work device is lost or stolen, report it immediately according to company policy. For personal devices, use location tracking or remote access tools to lock or wipe the device as soon as possible to protect your data.
Travel doesn’t have to put your data at risk. By preparing your devices, packing them securely, and practicing strong cybersecurity habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to digital threats during the holidays.
Tobin Solutions helps businesses and individuals improve cybersecurity at home, in the office, and on the road. Proactive security measures today can prevent costly disruptions, data loss, and stress tomorrow.