This document provides tips for keeping gadgets safe when travelling. It recommends ensuring software is updated, using strong passwords, being cautious on public WiFi networks, only using encrypted websites, turning off automatic logins, using VPNs and password managers, being wary of free apps, and having remote wipe enabled in case of theft. Taking these precautions significantly reduces security risks, but cannot provide a 100% guarantee so vigilance is still important.

1. How to keep Your Gadgets Safe When Travelling
Nowadays, very few people even think of setting out on a journey without taking their gadgets with them,
which is not irrational considering the vast amount of personal and business-related information stored in
them. Instant access to the Internet is something we all take for granted and we can make use of it just
about anywhere – from any means of transport to coffee shops. This,however, makes it quite a feat to
ensure our gadgets and devices are not exposed to all possible forms of security threats. Luckily, it is a
matter of common sense and state-of-the art technology use to safeguard them easily and inexpensively.
First of all, it is important to ensure all your software is up-to-date. You can Google or check the
manufacturer’s website to find out if a software update is available. It would also be prudent to create
strong passwords, to create an original combination of letters, numbers and special characters of 8
characters (or even more). Acronyms are highly recommended and should preferably be changed twice a
year.
Moreover, when it comes to Androids, iPhones and Blackberry phones, their default browser security
settings are already efficient and reliable, so there’s no need to change them. Additionally, unencrypted
public wireless networks are too risky as they require no authentication or password to log in. Even
encrypted Networks pose potential risks. It would therefore be advisable to be cautious as to the kind of
actions you perform on such networks.
Each time you access a website where you are required to share personal information, such as your phone
number or bank’s website, you should be confident beyond any doubt that you do this securely. To be
absolutely certain, ensure that https is active (the s indicates connection to the site via Secure Socket
Layer – SSL) . This is evidence that all your personal data will be transmitted over the Net in an
encrypted form.This,however, is no guarantee of security. Quite the contrary is true.If you exchange your
information on an unencrypted server, you may still fall victim to MITM attack(man in the middle
attack). No matter how rare these attacks are, they do happen, so be sure to connect on an encrypted
network and that the websites you connect to use https.
Apart from the SSL option (encryption) it is wise to use a VPN (a virtual private network) if it is within
your reach, as it provides a secure option to protect your sensitive data.
If you have set up your mobile device to automatically enter passwords and login information into
frequently visited websites, it is advisable to turn this off.It is very likely to pose a privacy threat. Third-
party apps are a great alternative option, as they manage saved passwords with a much higher level of
security. Mac OS X is a great example, as well asKeePass is for some versions of Windows. LastPass,
1Password and SlashID are better alternatives for iOS and Android smartphones.
It is a frequent trend to download apps. Especially the free ones are extremely tempting. You should not
be blind to the possibility that this may not be entirely secure, as the Android market is a bit more open.
Some caution and foresight come a long way. For instance, TaintDroid is an Android tool that notifies
users if a third party is requesting information. Its only drawback is it’s not available on the Android
market.
It should be clear that even when you do take all these precautions it is not a guarantee that you will not
fall victim to hackers. In such a case change your password to a stronger one. In case of theft, make sure
your device has an autowipe or remote wipe feature, so your data is still safe. In any case, even in the
worst case scenario, there is always a solution as long as you stay informed.