Travel season is almost here!听
We know that traveling can be an exciting and adventurous experience, but it's important to stay cybersafe along the way.
Whether you're travelling for leisure, to attend a conference or for research, (cyber)secure your journey with the following tips:听
Before you go, prep your devices!
- 鈥痺hen they鈥檙e not in use, and never leave them unattended.
- Ensure that your 鈥�.听
- of photos, contacts, and other important data.听
- 鲍蝉别鈥�two-factor-authentication (2FA)鈥痮n all your accounts that offer it.
- Consider using an authenticator app, such as Microsoft Authenticator, to receive 2FA codes. This offers better security than getting a code through a text message and is easier to use. Find out more in 鈥�.
- Whenever possible, make sure your devices are encrypted. Most new devices now offer this feature, and it protects your data in the event your laptop, phone or tablet is lost or stolen.
- Most laptops provided by IT Services are by default.
- If you have a McGill-managed computer, contact the IT Service Desk or your local IT administrator to find out if they can enable FDE for you.
- You can also .
- Make sure that all your devices and accounts are protected with .
- It's essential to have installed that protects you from viruses, malware, and other security threats.
Guard your accounts and privacy while on the go:
- Public WiFi is convenient, but it can be risky since anyone can potentially access it. Cybercriminals can use public WiFi to intercept your online activity, steal your personal information, and even inject malware into your device. To protect yourself:
- Avoid using public WiFi to access sensitive information, such as online banking or making payments with credit card.
- Before you access your email, accounts, or other online services, connect to a A VPN encrypts your connection and keeps your data private.
Stay Alert:
- Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
- Do not use ATMs or point-of-sale (POS) machines that look suspicious. .
- Watch out for people 鈥渟houlder surfing鈥� behind you. They may just be just curious, but this is also how attackers steal credentials and credit card information.
Share wisely:
While it's natural to want to share your travel experiences with friends and family, be cautious about what you share on social media. Avoid posting your exact location and travel plans, as it can make you an easy target for cybercriminals.
Additional tips:
- Helpful articles from the Government of Canada:
- 听
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your journey is not only safe and secure but also fun and memorable! Safe travels!