Protect Your Phone Before You Travel

In the era of digitization, the phone is used not only for communication, but also as a storage place for important data, a method of electronic payments, and a device for logging in to social media profiles and company applications. So we should take special care of it.

And in addition to the risk of losing your phone – lost or stolen – cyber threats such as phishing, smishing, vishing also pose a problem.

So be a conscious user of your phone and learn how to protect yourself. Below are six key areas that will help you protect your device while traveling and help you reduce the damage if you lose it.

1. Strong password and two-step authentication

 Secure your phone and access to applications with unique passwords that will be difficult to guess even for people who know you better. Choose ones that will be difficult to break with a dictionary attack. Complex passwords containing letters, numbers and special characters significantly increase your level of security.

But how to remember them?

A password manager will be useful (check out the applications recommended by Privacy Tools), which will generate and store unique access passwords to all applications, portals and stores you use, and can additionally protect you against phishing by warning you when you enter a fake login page.

Cyclicchange of your credentialsincreases security in case your password is leaked or compromised.

Enable two-factor authenticationwhere possible – it lengthens the login process but adds an extra layer of security.

Interesting fact: On the NordPass website you will find a list of the passwords most frequently used by users and the time needed to crack them. 

2. Cloud backups

Install ocloud backup softwaree.g. GoogleOne, OneDrive for Android or iCloud for iOS (check recommended by Privacy Tools).

Create backups periodically to protect against data loss. 

Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when syncing data to the cloud. Regularly verify that you have enough space for backups. 

3. Remote location tracking

Use features like “Find My Device” for Android and “Find My” for iOS. These features let you check where your device is at any time. Test location tracking to make sure it works properly.

Need help enabling this feature? Take a look at our guide!

Some applications additionally offer an alarm function that triggers a loud sound from the phone, even if it remains in silent mode.

Please note that tracking may not work if your phone is turned off or someone removes your SIM card. 

4. Remotely lock and wipe your device

Learn remotely block and wipe your phone from another device. Applications such as “Find My Device” for Android or “Find My” for iOS have browser versions that you can easily run on another device connected to the Internet and allow you to delete data from your phone. In the event of theft, this action can protect your information and your finances.

Remember to log out of active sessions on other devices.

5. Safe storage

Another important point is to ensure the physical security of the device.

• Protect your phone with a protective case and tempered glass.
• Keep your phone in your hand or in a safe place. Your phone is less likely to be stolen or lost in inside jacket pockets, front pants pockets, or in zippered bags or backpacks. 
• Are you a driver? Use a phone holder in the car. It will keep the device in one place, even during sudden braking, and while keeping the phone within reach. 
• Leave your phone in the safe at the hotel and always have it with you in public places.
  Never leave your phone, e.g. on a table in a cafe or on a car seat. 

6. Remember these good practices

• Use VPN with company apps. 
• Turn off Bluetooth in public places. 
• Regularly check which devices have access to your accounts (e.g. in company email settings, social media and instant messaging). 
• Check recent logins to the application. 
• Lock your phone after use, set auto-lock. 
• Use an antivirus application. 
• Update the software and applications on your phone regularly. 
• Build your security awareness. 

Protecting your phone is as important as keeping your home or car safe. A well-prepared device, combined with caution and awareness of threats, is key to protecting your private data and, often, access to company resources.