Traveling is fun. Losing access to your email, bank account, or phone while traveling? Not so much. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend trip or flying internationally, your devices carry a lot of sensitive information: photos, passwords, banking apps, work files, travel confirmations, and personal messages. A few simple cybersecurity habits can help protect your digital life before, during, and after your trip.
Why travel cybersecurity matters
Travel changes your normal routine. You connect to unfamiliar Wi-Fi, use travel apps more often, charge devices in public places, and log in from new locations. That creates more opportunities for scammers and cybercriminals to target you.
Account takeovers are especially concerning. The FBI reported that since January 2025, the Internet Crime Complaint Center received more than 5,100 account takeover fraud complaints, with losses exceeding $262 million, often involving criminals impersonating financial institutions to steal login credentials or one-time passcodes. The FBI warning explains how these scams work.
What should you do before you travel?
Start by locking down your devices before you leave home. The FCC recommends backing up files, removing sensitive data you don’t need, installing strong passwords, and making sure antivirus software is up to date before traveling.
Before your trip:
- Update every device and app. Install operating system, browser, and app updates before you go. The FTC notes that software updates often include critical security patches.
- Use strong screen locks. Set a strong PIN, password, fingerprint, or face unlock on your phone, tablet, and laptop.
- Turn on “Find My Device.” Enable Apple Find My or Google Find My Device so you can locate, lock, or erase a lost device.
- Back up important data. Save contacts, photos, documents, and travel details to secure cloud storage or an external drive. CISA recommends backing up mobile device data in case a device is compromised.
- Remove what you don’t need. Don’t travel with sensitive files, tax documents, saved passwords, or work data unless absolutely necessary.
How can you protect passwords and accounts while traveling?
Your passwords are a top target. Use these habits to keep accounts safer:
- Use unique passwords for every account. Don’t reuse passwords across email, banking, travel, and shopping accounts.
- Use a password manager. The FTC recommends password managers as one option for creating and storing strong passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication. CISA recommends MFA for email, banking, social media, and any service that requires logging in.
- Never share one-time passcodes. A real bank, airline, hotel, or support agent should not ask for your MFA code.
- Avoid logging in from shared computers. The FCC warns travelers to avoid public equipment for sensitive communications.
What should you watch for during your trip?
Stay alert when using devices in public:
- Avoid sensitive activity on public Wi-Fi. The FCC recommends avoiding online purchases or bank account access on public Wi-Fi.
- Turn off auto-join Wi-Fi. This prevents your phone from connecting to unknown networks automatically.
- Disable Bluetooth when not in use. The FCC recommends turning off Bluetooth when you’re not actively using it.
- Watch for shoulder surfing. Use a privacy screen or avoid entering passwords where others can see your screen.
- Don’t overshare travel plans online. CISA recommends avoiding real-time vacation posts and disabling geotagging while away.
Travel cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Update your devices, use strong passwords, turn on MFA, avoid risky Wi-Fi behavior, and keep your devices physically secure. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a major headache while you’re away.
