Cybercriminals do not take a vacation

Tourists are extremely wary of pickpockets on vacation. But when it comes to their digital security, they are less careful. Yet credit card fraud, data theft and identity theft lurk around every corner. Whether at the airport, hotel, campsite or Internet café - cybercriminals use every opportunity to scam sensitive information from travelers. "Public WLAN hotspots are very popular during the vacations, but so are they among criminals. They manipulate WLAN accesses in order to tap login and banking data. Holidaymakers should therefore play it safe and never enter confidential data such as credit card information there and conduct online banking transactions or similar via it," explains Thomas Uhlemann, IT Security Specialist at ESET. "But there are other scams designed to trap vacationers that start even before the trip. "

Tips for an online safe vacation

Before the vacation:

• Beware of nasty rip-offs on online travel portals: Alleged vacation bargains are increasingly luring holidaymakers to fake web travel portals where they enter their credit card information unsuspectingly. Instead of the vacation paradise they booked, they find an empty vacation fund in their account.
• Secure your data: Install security software or update it to the latest version to protect against phishing, Trojans, and other malware. Make backups of your data. If your digital device gets lost on vacation, you'll still have the data at your fingertips. Also, use an anti-theft solution to recover your stolen or misplaced device. On the notebook, encrypt the data for security.
• Post little on social media: Both before the vacations and in the middle of them, you should restrain your joy about it. It's best not to reveal anything about it on public profiles. Because real and virtual thieves are just waiting on Facebook and Co. to know who is going on vacation and when.
• Have your credit card blocking numbers on hand: This way, in case of loss, you can immediately render the credit or debit card unusable.
• Set up a "vacation email account": This way, you can send pictures and messages without worrying, because even after a hack, no other personal data can be found on it.

On site:

• Log out from the Internet cafe and delete any data left behind: After using computers in a cafe, remove browser temporary files, browsing history, and cookies. Log out of websites where you have logged in as a registered user. Otherwise, the next user may still be able to access your account.
• Use WLAN hotspots only with VPN connection: Just to check the balance of the travel fund or quickly pay a bill. Relying on open Wi-Fi access while on vacation is not a good idea. It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to manipulate Wi-Fi hotspots in order to obtain data and money. Users should therefore additionally secure the connection with a trusted VPN solution or activate your data roaming and surf as usual via the mobile network operator. Online shopping sprees or financial transactions are nevertheless better left until after the vacation.
• Be careful with contactless payment: Credit and debit cards belong in a protective sleeve or a special wallet with integrated RFID and NFC blockers. Thieves have special devices with which you can read the data on them. In addition, it is better to use far more secure payment methods such as Apple and Google Pay.
• Deactivate Radio networks: If you are not in use, it is better to switch off your Bluetooth and WLAN functions. This will give cybercriminals fewer attack surfaces.
• Never let your device out of your sight: Only a few minutes are enough to spy on access data. Also, do not place directly in the sun to avoid "data fire".
• Stay away from software updates and certificates: If you first have to update the software or download certificates for a WLAN connection, it is better to cancel the whole thing. It is not uncommon for malware to be hidden behind this.

Upon return:

• Run a malware scan: Before you connect your devices used on vacation to the home network, you should check them for malware with security software or at least an online virus scanner.
• Change your passwords on the services you use: After the vacations is a welcome opportunity to change passwords on social media, email services, etc.. Safe is safe!

No chance for cyber criminals

If you want to play it safe on vacation and in everyday life, the European IT security manufacturer ESET offers an all-round carefree package with its "Smart Security Premium" product. In addition to virus protection and firewall, the security software also offers a comprehensive anti-theft module and effective data encryption. Thanks to this solution, many users have been able to get their devices back after a theft, according to the manufacturer.

More information on www.eset.ch