How do I stay internet safe when travelling?

1492 wrote:

You can halt hacking activity by not being constantly connected to the Net. One reason I keep mobile data disabled when not using it.

Most days my portable phone stays OFF and on my dresser.
I still have a LAND LINE. GASP.

Oh....and most nights my home computer is turned OFF too.

Sam Spade wrote:

1492 wrote:

I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions,

Good post but unnecessarily alarmist, in my opinion.

Using you own mobile service is 1000 percent more secure than logging into a stationary open public WiFi.....if you use just a tiny bit of common sense in how you set it up.

Of the practical alternatives available for the masses, this has to be at the top of the list. I was going to suggest using a friends home WiFi while visiting.....but then thought through my list of friends......and I'm back to my own phone.

Not 1000 percent more secure by any means. Just look into DefCon to see just how insecure smartphones are. Makes no difference whether its an iPhone or Android device. You've very likely already been hacked to some degree. You just don't know it. But not all hacking is malicious.

You can halt hacking activity by not being constantly connected to the Net. One reason I keep mobile data disabled when not using it. I don't need to be tied to email or other services constantly. If someone needs to contact me immediately, they can do so by calling/texting. No data required.

Internet is never safe.. here in soviet union, internet browses you !

LOL

1492 wrote:

I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions,

Good post but unnecessarily alarmist, in my opinion.

Using you own mobile service is 1000 percent more secure than logging into a stationary open public WiFi.....if you use just a tiny bit of common sense in how you set it up.

Of the practical alternatives available for the masses, this has to be at the top of the list. I was going to suggest using a friends home WiFi while visiting.....but then thought through my list of friends......and I'm back to my own phone.

joebedford wrote:

2oldman wrote:
I take pictures of personal checks made out to me

You still get personal cheques? :)

I do, from playing gigs. Perhaps I need a card swipe thing for my phone..? OH.. wait, that can be hacked too.

2oldman wrote:
I take pictures of personal checks made out to me

You still get personal cheques? :)

I take it this XP system was behind a router firewall and running its own firewall? That's pretty good.

1492 wrote:
However, the burden is placed on them to secure your funds. Especially, if you're using their approved app.

Right. You can't eliminate risk entirely, but you can have insurance.

Banks have proven no match for determined hackers. If you only knew how much they lose each year to exploits, it's literally mind boggling? However, the burden is placed on them to secure your funds. Especially, if you're using their approved app.

1492 wrote:
I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions, though become a increasingly popular trend

I take pictures of personal checks made out to me, and send that deposit to my bank using their very modern and fast mobile deposit app. It costs a whopping 50¢.

There's no way I'm going back to mailing checks or driving to a bank or ATM. If it's hacked the bank can deal with it. They provided it.

But that's just how I do it. Your usage is up to you.