It’s finally summertime, which translates into vacation time for many Alberta families. As you pack your essentials to hit the beach, your cabin, or for a thrilling European holiday, make sure to also remind your loved ones that protecting their digital presence is as important as bringing enough underwear. Hackers unfortunately don’t take a break very often and will specifically search out those with their guards down and in places they usually are not.
Restart your phone daily or use lockdown mode
Turning your phone off every day helps clear temporary files and cached data that can slow down your device and potentially expose vulnerabilities. Rebooting disrupts malicious processes and ensures recent security updates are being downloaded.
Turn your phone off for about 30 seconds each day, either in the morning or evening. For extra security, consider using your phone’s lockdown mode while you are away, which limits certain features to provide robust protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
Avoid public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are risky as they are often targeted by cybercriminals. Use your mobile hotspot whenever possible to create a secure connection. Be mindful of data usage, as activities like streaming and downloading large files can quickly consume your data plan. In fact, you may want to contact your cellphone provider to ask about adding more data for the time you are away. If a personal hotspot isn’t an option, you can try using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your sensitive information.
Update and backup your devices
Before you leave home update and back up all your devices. Updates include important security patches that should protect against all the latest threats. Regularly updating your operating systems, apps, and antivirus software adds strength to your digital defenses. Backing up your data ensures you won’t lose important information if your device is stolen or damaged. Use the cloud or an external storage device and schedule regular backups when connected to safe Wi-Fi.
Enable the “Find My” feature
The “Find My” feature is available on both iOS and Android devices and allows you to track, wipe, or remotely disable your device if it’s lost or stolen. Ensure this feature is enabled on your device before you head out:
- Apple users: Enable “Find My iPhone” in iCloud settings.
- Android users: Activate “Find My Device” in Google account settings.
- Other phones: Check your device’s settings or contact the manufacturer.
Turn off location services
While location services are useful, they can be a privacy concern. Turn off location services when not in use to minimize the chances of your data being accessed by unwanted apps or people. Adjust your settings to allow location access only while specific apps are in use.
Use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay or Google Pay
Using your phone’s pay system is surprisingly secure, as well as convenient. Each pay system employs tokenization, replacing your card details with a unique code for each transaction. It also requires authentication through Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode, which adds another layer of security. This reduces the need to carry physical cards and minimizes the risk of losing them.
Guard Your Online Presence
Your online presence is valuable, and cybercriminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to exploit it. Take proactive measures to stay ahead of these threats:
- Think before you share: Avoid sharing real-time location updates on social media. Wait until you’re back home to share your vacation experiences.
- Privacy settings matter: Adjust your social media privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information.
- Watch for suspicious activity: Be cautious with phishing emails containing links from unknown senders, as they may contain malicious content. Do not click, trust your instincts, and verify the source before taking any sort of action.
Check to make sure you have home cyber insurance
Most newer home insurance policies include home cyber insurance coverage as an endorsement, but it’s worth it to check if you’re not sure or you have an older policy that you haven’t made changes to in a while. Home cyber insurance coverage should include the following:
- Protection against identity theft, unauthorized use of bank/credit cards, counterfeit currency, and criminal deception.
- Coverage for the cost of restoring data and systems following unauthorized access or a malware attack on your home devices.
- Provision of the services of a case manager to help restore your identity and credit records.
- Reimbursement for costs incurred as a victim of a cyberbullying attack, including expenses for counselling, legal fees, relocation, tutoring, and social media monitoring.
- Professional assistance in response to extortion demands, such as threats to damage, disable, deny access to, or disseminate content from your device.
Remember that if you are running a business from your home you should inquire about business cyber insurance. This will cover for the costs associated with the loss, theft, accidental release, or accidental publication of personally or sensitive information you oversee, such as that of your clients.
Cyber insurance is coverage for the modern world
Lane’s Insurance is a leading Alberta-based brokerage that works with the province’s most trusted carriers to protect you from today’s advanced digital threats, and much more.
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