Three ways you can protect your data when travelling

Does your job role involve a lot of travelling? Is a reliable internet connection vital when using tablets, laptops or smartphones on the go?

Many employees find they are always attending various meetings and visiting customers and clients regularly, so a reliable Internet connection on a handheld device is important. Although using advanced technology involves a number of security risks. Handheld devices such as smartphones hold a high amount of private company information and these devices can be lost or hacked very easily. You may think that even though you keep these devices with you at all times, your sensitive information can be accessed over a Wi-Fi  connection or by using advanced malicious software.

When travelling on public transport always be cautious about using the public Wi-Fi as your sensitive information may be passed over the Wi-Fi and could become available to potential hackers nearby. It is difficult to know whether you are connecting onto a legitimate Wi-Fi hotspot or whether it has been set up by hackers to trick you into believing the hotspot is genuine.

Using public computers may not be as secure as you think. Giving over sensitive or personal information such as logging into your online bank account on public computers should be avoided. Computers in hotels or cafes may not receive regular software updates or have up-to-date antivirus software installed which causes PC’s to be more at threat from malware attacks. In order to check whether security software installed on public computers you can check to see if there is an icon for antivirus software in the bottom right of the screen.

The best way to manage security when on the go is to use your own well-maintained device and stick to using internet connections that you know are reliable and secure. You should look to use encryption technologies and software whenever possible.