Finding internet access is as simple as finding the next Starbucks a few blocks away. If you’re in San Francisco, you only have to turn around to find one looming behind you. Yes, it’s the digital age—where WiFI is streaming from everywhere. You can access this WiFi, but so can anyone else—and with that comes some additional security concerns, especially if you have important business information or stuff you don’t want others to be able to steal. Here are five tips to ensure your security while on the go!
1.) Use a VPN and stay away from Public WiFi
Public WiFi can be dicey. It’s easy to connect accidentally to a rogue WiFi connection masquerading as an official connection—but it’s also common for official connections to have bugs and security vulnerabilities.
Using a VPN service is a great way to ensure an encrypted internet connection. A lot of people are afraid of using VPNs because they feel like the process might be complicated, slow down their internet, or not be allowed in public spaces. All of those things are false!
Using a VPN like TorGuard is remarkably easy since it covers every type of device. From cellphones, to tablets, to PCs!
There’s a VPN Chrome app for Chromebooks or Chrome browsers, an application for iOS and Android, and even two different native applications you can download to your computer. Using TorGuard VPN is as simple as just clicking on it and logging in. Once you log in with your credentials, the magic of VPN works and all of your information is secure. You also don’t leave a footprint, and your privacy is ensured.
If you’re traveling to other countries with strict firewalls or censorship, consider using TorGuard Stealth VPN. It’s an easy way to retain internet access to your favorite sites behind draconian firewalls.
2.) Disable Geo Tagging and geolocation services
Geolocation and geo-tagging are popular now since mobile applications like to use our location to help provide us with useful services and not so useful advertising. While these two applications are relatively harmless, there may be reasons where you don’t want snoopers to track you—whether you just don’t like the idea of Apple knowing where you are every day, or you’re trying to avoid your obsessive spouse.
You can usually turn off your geotagging and geolocation services within your device’s settings. Also, try to poke around in more advanced settings since some features still track your information for data-specific reasons.
If you want to be super careful, turn off WiFi and use airplane mode to get off the grid.
3.) Password protect all devices (Cell Phone / Laptop)
Besides worrying about your internet, you don’t want to forget about the essentials. If you didn’t already know, locking your mobile device isn’t often automatic—whether because you accidentally turned off the feature, or you did it on purpose. Make sure to lock your device so if you leave it somewhere on accident someone can’t use your device.
If you have an Apple Watch, the new osWatch 2 has a locking application that locks your watch when if it gets moved a certain distance away from your phone.
Another good protection habit is using good strong passwords. This can be done through your manually created passwords or through password applications that create super strong passwords that you otherwise couldn’t remember. If you’re using a laptop, consider using hard disk encryption features for some extra security.
4.) Use Cash, Not Cards
If you’re debating on using your credit card, consider using cash. Cash can’t be used for identity theft and information theft. However, using cash has its own disadvantages since getting your cash stolen is a lot harder to recover or prove than if it happened to your credit card.
5.) Update and backup Software
If you want to ensure the best possible security on all of your devices, you need to update each device’s software when new software and firmware updates are available. A lot of the time your device will notify you, but it’s as easy as checking in your settings to update to the newest software. Older software versions tend to be less secure since developers often only maintain newer releases.
Besides updating your regular software, consider using malware protection software and anti-virus software like Malware bytes, or McAfee virus protection.
For your email try to make a habit of using two-factor authentication. It’s a super secure method to ensure an outsider can’t access your email without having something like your phone first.
Two-factor authentication can be annoying, but a lot of businesses are even starting to require it for additional security concerns.
Last but not least, back up any information you don’t want to lose!
