Traveling is one of the most exhilarating activities one can do in their lifetime, for the joy of exploring new and different locations, along with the feeling of being free and away from your responsibilities from home. However, there are certain risks to this fun and rewarding activity, such as security threats, according to Adam Dean, a senior security specialist. When we travel, we are vulnerable to security threats, along with having little to no privacy, Dean elaborates.
So how can we protect our privacy while traveling? USA Today lists down some helpful tips to avoid having our privacy compromised:
What to do about cameras
If the rental comes with cameras, ensure they aren't in a sensitive area by conducting a careful sweep. Report anything suspicious to the host immediately – and if you don't like what you hear, leave.
What to do about data breaches
a hotel clerk sometimes asks for your name and then announces your room number after you've checked in. You're better off handing the employee your ID when he or she asks for your name and asking the employee to write your room number on a piece of paper. Why? Because there are other people in the lobby, and they could be listening.
"I’ve seen my entire credit card number on hotel receipts," O’Rourke says. "Just to be sure, never leave the customer copy behind. You can destroy it later, but keep it under your control until you do."
What to do about nosy seatmates
"Consider getting a privacy filter that covers your laptop or tablet," he says. "These screens let the user see the content on the screen from a front-on view, while anyone trying to view the content from the next seat over will see a black screen and nothing else."Josh McCormick, the vice president of operations for Mr. Electric, an electrical installation and repair services company.
More ways to enhance your privacy when you travel
• Don't broadcast your itinerary on social media. Wait until you return to start posting vacation photos.
• Get a virtual private network. "The No. 1 danger, when it comes to privacy, is public Wi-Fi hotspots," says Dimitar Dobrev, a director for VPNArea, a VPN provider. A VPN can protect you.
• If your laptop or any storage devices are reviewed at customs or appear to have been moved in your hotel room, you should assume that your drive has been copied, says Bruce McIndoe, founder of WorldAware, a travel risk management firm. "Only take the bare essentials when you are traveling," he advises. "A travel laptop stripped of any nonessential files is a good strategy. Keep your laptop locked up when you are leaving your room. Do not leave it or any electronic devices unattended."
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