Tips to stay cyber safe during the holidays

Cybersecurity threats don’t take a holiday when you do, so follow these safety tips from Augusta University’s chief information security officer.

If you’re headed out of the office for an extended absence, be aware that cyber threats continue. In fact, some threats may be at an increased risk if you’re outside of the familiar, protected environment of the office or home.

When traveling, you must take extra precautions to safeguard personal and sensitive information you carry inside your phone, laptop and tablet. You can protect yourself and others by leaving any equipment that you won’t need behind (just make sure it’s secure where you leave it). If you do need to take your work-issued computer and personal internet-connected devices, be sure to add these to-dos to your travel preparedness list:

Don’t fall for phishing

Phishing attacks may evolve to take advantage of the holiday season. Never click links or open attachments within email unless you are absolutely certain they are safe.

Bring and Use Your Own Power Adapters and Cords

It’s never safe to charge your devices using anything other than your own power adapters. Cyber thieves may install malware onto hotel lamps, airport kiosks and other public USB charging stations. If you absolutely must charge your device on the road, and you don’t have access to your charger/adapter, power down your device before you connect it into any airport chair or public USB charging station.

Back Up Your Electronic Files

Before you leave, back up your contacts, photos, videos and other mobile device data with another device or cloud service. And make sure your back-ups are encrypted and secure! Box is an excellent way of ensuring you have a good backup.

Install Security Updates and Patches

Be sure to patch and update operating systems and software (including mobile device apps). This should be a regular practice, but it is particularly important if you will be unable to update while traveling. Updates and patches can fix security flaws and enable security software to detect and prevent new threats. If you haven’t rebooted your computer since installing patches, do it now.

Create New Passwords and Change Passwords

Change passwords you will use while traveling, and add multi-factor authentication, if possible. Don’t skimp on password creation either — a numerical sequence is not ideal. Passwords should be at least 10 characters or longer with a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. Consider using a passphrase – a combination of words that are easy to remember, such as “Mydogatemyhomeworkandgotindigestion.” Once you are home, change your passwords again! Use password.augusta.edu to change your password.

Lock Devices Down

Most smartphones, laptops and tablets come equipped with security settings that will enable you to lock the device using a PIN or fingerprint ID. Do this on every available device. In the event you misplace or lose a device, this will be the first line of defense against a security breach.

Remove or Encrypt Sensitive Information on Mobile Devices

If you do not need to access sensitive information while traveling, don’t bring it. But if you need the information while you are traveling, make sure sensitive information is encrypted. For example, laptops should have full-disk encryption.

Turn Off WiFi Auto-Connect and Bluetooth

Go into your device’s Settings feature, and disable the WiFi auto-connect option so that you manually connect when it is safe to do so. Similarly, disable Bluetooth connectivity. If left on, cyber thieves can connect to your device in a number of different and easy ways.

Avoid Public WiFi

Avoid connecting to any public WiFi network. You didn’t connect to the free, open WiFi on the airplane, so continue that mindset on the ground. Using your mobile network (like 4G or LTE) is generally more secure than using a public wireless network. Do not conduct sensitive activities, such as online shopping, banking, or sensitive work, using a public wireless network. Always log into your work network through VPN, and only use sites that begin with “https://” when online shopping or banking.

Ensure Physical Security of Your Devices

NEVER let your devices leave your sight. If you cannot physically lock devices in your hotel room safe or other secure place, take them with you. There are no good hiding spots in your hotel room! Many breaches occur because a device was left unattended when an opportunistic thief struck. When traveling with laptops and tablets, the best protection is to carry them with you. It’s never safe to pack your devices in your checked luggage.

Create Unique PINs

Don’t use the same PIN for the hotel safe and a mobile device, especially one that you’re storing in the hotel safe! Do you really want to make it that easy for a thief?

Use Geo-Location Cautiously

Most social media sites are happy to automatically share your location as you post photos and messages. This also tells thieves back home that you are away, which is a great time to break in. So, limit the information you post regarding your location at any point in time.

Bon voyage! And safe cyber travels.

Walter Ray
Chief Information Security Officer