Episode 10

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Published on:

21st Sep 2023

Ep10: Staying Cyber Safe While Traveling

In this episode, Marc David speaks with expert Amelia Thompson about staying cyber secure while traveling including:

  • Using VPNs and avoiding sensitive logins on public WiFi to prevent eavesdropping
  • Enabling device tracking in case items are lost or stolen during transit
  • Strengthening account login protections with multi-factor authentication
  • Setting travel notices on financial accounts to prevent fraudulent transactions
  • Avoiding phishing attempts by strangers when distracted in public spaces
  • Updating devices and backing up data in case of damage or theft
  • Carrying temporary “burner” phones devoid of personal data
  • Using mobile device management for securely configured company phones
  • Remaining vigilant about security while recognizing travel poses added risks

For more bite-sized cybersecurity tips, visit bytesizedsecurity.show or subscribe to the podcast. See you next time!

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Transcript
Marc:

Welcome back to another edition of Byte Sized Security, your source

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for bite-sized cybersecurity lessons.

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I’m your host Marc David, and with me

today I have expert Amelia Thompson

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to discuss an important topic

- keeping your devices, accounts and

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information secure while traveling.

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Whether headed on a work trip

or family vacation, travel

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introduces new online risks.

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Amelia joins me to share simple

precautions travelers can

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take to avoid cyber headaches.

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Let’s dive in!

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Amelia, great to have you on the show.

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Can you start by explaining some

of the unique cyber risks travelers

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face that people should be aware of?

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Amelia: Happy to be here Marc.

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Traveling inherently makes

maintaining our typical digital

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security defenses more challenging.

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Using unfamiliar public Wi Fi

and foreign networks creates

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risks of snooping or spoofing.

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Carrying and using devices in more

public settings increases chances

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of theft and unauthorized access.

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And accessing accounts remotely

can expose us to phishing attempts.

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Being prepared allows

minimizing these risks.

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Marc: Let’s start with public Wi Fi,

since many travelers connect to hotel,

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airport or cafe networks while on the go.

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What precautions do you recommend

when using public Wi Fi?

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Amelia: I suggest avoiding accessing

any sensitive accounts like banking

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or email directly over public Wi

Fi, as these networks are easy

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for cybercriminals to spy on.

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If you must use public networks, utilize a

trusted virtual private network (VPN) app

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to encrypt your connection for privacy.

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Also stick to HTTPS sites

which encrypt transmissions.

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And consider using your phone’s

cellular data for urgent logins rather

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than an open network when possible.

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Basically approach public

connections with great caution.

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Marc: What about securing the devices we

travel with, especially through airports?

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Any tips there?

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Amelia: Absolutely.

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Enable baggage tracking in airline

apps so your devices stay with

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your luggage during transit.

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Enable device location tracking as

well in case they are lost or stolen.

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Use device locks like fingerprints for

quick access while maintaining security.

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And keep devices on your person

rather than placing them in luggage

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compartments or rental car seats.

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Also disable Bluetooth and auto-connect

to avoid unauthorized access.

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A little extra care prevents

lost or stolen devices.

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Marc: Many travelers access their accounts

abroad to check email or bank balances.

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Are there any special

precautions they should take?

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Amelia: Definitely take measures to

verify your identity and lock down

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accounts when traveling internationally.

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Enable the strongest two-factor

authentication on sensitive

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logins before leaving.

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Set travel notices on financial

accounts to prevent fraudulent

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foreign transactions being blocked.

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Avoid public Wi Fi for

secure logins abroad.

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And monitor accounts diligently

for any unexplained activity.

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Basically be extra vigilant

about account security.

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Marc: What about the risks of

phishing attempts and social

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engineering that travelers often face

in airports, train stations, etc?

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How can people avoid getting hooked?

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Amelia: When traveling we’re often

rushing and distracted, which

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makes us prime targets for scams.

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Be very wary of anyone approaching

you asking for personal information

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like account details or social

security numbers for any reason.

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Avoid plugging devices into public USB

power outlets which could compromise them.

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And never enter credentials on

unverified networks or computers.

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Scammers exploit travelers’

haste, so always stay alert.

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Marc: Are there any other important

cyber measures travelers should

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take before a trip to be prepared?

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Amelia: A few things I recommend

are updating devices’ operating

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systems and antivirus software

to patch vulnerabilities.

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Back up any critical data in case

devices are damaged or stolen.

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Use password manager apps to access

stronger login credentials on the go.

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And know who to promptly contact if

accounts are compromised while traveling.

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Preparing devices, accounts and

contact plans helps minimize hassles.

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Marc: For listeners really worried

about travel security, are there any

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advanced steps or tools you suggest?

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Amelia: There are a few additional options

frequent travelers can consider like using

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burner or temporary “travel” phones devoid

of personal data for the trip duration.

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Enterprise mobile device management

solutions allow securely configuring

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company-issued phones with

restrictions tailored for travel.

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And some VPNs offer advanced

“split tunneling” features to

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finely control device traffic.

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But the basics we covered

provide fundamental security.

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Marc: Final thoughts for travelers

looking to stay cyber secure?

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Amelia: I would just remind travelers

to stay vigilant and patient when

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it comes to digital security.

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Using caution on open networks,

keeping close tabs on devices, and

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verifying unprompted login requests

before acting all go a long way

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towards a secure hassle-free trip.

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Safe travels!

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Marc: Outstanding travel

cybersecurity tips.

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Thank you for joining me!

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Amelia: Of course, my pleasure Marc!

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Marc: That wraps up this edition of Byte

Sized Security focused on maintaining

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your cyber protections while on the go.

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Implement key measures for your devices,

accounts, Wi Fi use and avoid scams.

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Stay safe out there on your next trip!

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For more security lessons, keep

listening to Byte Sized Security.

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See you next time.

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Byte Sized Security
Snackable advice on cyber security best practices tailored for professionals on the go
In a world where cyberattacks are becoming more commonplace, we all need to be vigilant about protecting our digital lives, whether at home or at work. Byte Sized Security is the podcast that provides snackable advice on cybersecurity best practices tailored for professionals on the go.

Hosted by information security expert, Marc David, each 15-20 minute episode provides actionable guidance to help listeners safeguard their devices, data, and organizations against online threats. With new episodes released every Monday, Byte Sized Security covers topics like social engineering, password management, multi-factor authentication, security awareness training, regulatory compliance, incident response, and more.

Whether you're an IT professional, small business owner, developer, or just someone interested in learning more about cybersecurity, Byte Sized Security is the quick, easy way to pick up useful tips and insights you can immediately put into practice. The clear, jargon-free advice is perfect for listening on your commute, during a lunch break, or working out.

Visit bytesizedsecurity.com to access episodes and show notes with key takeaways and links to useful resources mentioned in each episode. Don't let cybercriminals catch you off guard - get smart, fast with Byte Sized Security! Tune in to boost your cybersecurity knowledge and help secure your part of cyberspace.
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Marc David

Marc David is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the host of the cybersecurity podcast, Byte-Sized Security. He has over 15 years of experience in the information security field, specializing in network security, cloud security, and security awareness training. Marc is an engaging speaker and teacher with a passion for demystifying complex security topics. He got his start in security as a software developer for encrypted messaging platforms. Over his career, Marc has held security leadership roles at tech companies like Radius Networks and Vanco Payment Solutions. He now runs his own cybersecurity consulting and training firm helping businesses and individuals implement practical security controls. When he’s not hosting his popular security podcast, you can find Marc speaking at industry conferences or volunteering to teach kids cyber safety. Marc lives with his family outside of Boston where he also enjoys running, reading, and hiking.