Mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops can help you a lot during your journey. To view the maps, manage your bookings, search for restaurants, maintain contact with work, family and friends, all can be done by a single gadget.

You should take precautions to protect your devices from thieves. How about your digital information? Is it protected? Hackers are around us, they can “steal” or “attack” with malware and other attack tools, if your devices are not well protected.

Using your own devices
Remember to check that you have the latest version of operating system (OS) and security software running on your devices. Have your OS and anti-virus software updated before the trip is recommended. Make sure your personal firewall is turned on if you have one installed.

Make sure your devices are password protected. In case the devices are stolen, thieves cannot access the information and personal data in them.

Even though your devices are password protected, you should set them to lock automatically if you leave it unattended for a short while, a period shorter than usual. You can increase the screen timeout period back to usual when you are home.

Many laptops have a file sharing option. People can have access to each other’s shared files when they are on the same network. Although you may not use this option, it is a good idea to check that file sharing is not activated on your laptop.


You may find a lot of different WiFi hotspots on the road, it is better to use a network with password rather than being open to the world. Be careful to choose and use only the legitimate ones. If you are not sure, simply ask the hotel or shop, and make sure you log on to that exact network. Sometimes hackers create fraudulent WiFi hotspot or access point, with a similar or even the same name that shows up alongside a bunch of authentic networks. Those bogus hotspots are called the Evil Twins and here we have more tips for you.

Using public computers
You may find computers with internet access in hotels or cafés. It is safe to use them for checking maps, transportation, tickets, and the tasks that do not require you to log in to an account.


You have no idea who has used and who will use the public computers, they may be loaded with malware or programs that keep track of the keystrokes. What you are typing including the passwords will be recorded. If you have your own device, use it for accessing your personal accounts, such as email, Facebook or banking.

In case you really need to access personal accounts in a public computer, remember to leave no sign in name and password behind, make sure that the browser does not store your login information. First check and disable the Auto-fill and save your password options in the browser. You should click the box “using public or shared computer” or uncheck the box “stayed signed in” or “remember me” on the login page.

To ensure the browser forgets your login name and password after you log out, simply enter the login page again. Make sure the login and password are blank, you may need to click “complete sign out” or “sign in as another user” to clear the sign in information.

It is recommended to clear the browser history, cache and cookies after the session. In the browser, go to “Options” or “Settings”, choose “Privacy” or “Security”, and look for “Clear browsing data” or “Clear history”.