How do I stay internet safe when travelling?

Unfortunately, most are under the assumption that depending on what device, system, or method one is using, they are somehow protected from being compromised. More accurately, if a hacker is determined to break into your system, they eventually will. As long as you're connected to network that allows that access.

Personally, I would not do any type of banking or financial transactions using an open public WiFi. I have no problem with email, forums, or other membership sites. But do recommend only using an encrypted connections.

If you must do a financial transaction, use an additional layer of encryption, such as a VPN service.

I would also not use any type of mobile smartphone for any financial transactions, though become a increasingly popular trend. Doesn't make any difference whether its an iPhone/Android phone. Both have become prime targets for hackers, and now becoming the least secure devices.

Of prime importance is to make sure you are using a currently supported and updated OS. Also make sure your browsers, plugins, and media devices are all updated with security patches. Basically, any app that connects to the Net. Including installation of a reputable security suite - AV/Firewall. Creating security layers a plus.

As an aside, I often read posts of those who are still using outdated OS, no longer supported. And under the assumption that because they are using AV software, they are somehow still protected from being exploited?

One of our new contractors in my office is working toward his post-graduate cyber security degree, and his cubicle looks like a hackers dream suite.

He recently demonstrated how easy it was to hack into a WIN XP system. Didn't take him long to breach a port, get an admin prompt, drop a malicious payload, and exit without the user even detecting he was there. AV software made no difference. All the tools he used was easily available as open source freeware. In fact, we are planning a video demo in the future for our staff. Though WIN XP is already banned from our network, access blocked when detected, some use it without a net connection for outdated software.

I have a smart phone with unlimited everything. We just traveled to Yellowstone and back. Have Sprint and had phone and data in most areas. I can get my e-mail,internet,Facebook, what ever on my phone. It's 90's per month.

2oldman wrote:

AllegroD wrote:
While it is rare, do you want to be the one?

I don't entertain negative thinking like that. When I get on an airplane I expect to arrive safely.

If you wish you think that way, fine. Nothing wrong with it, and it's really none of my business. It's just how you've become accustomed to evaluating risk, as have a lot of people.

Sorry you see my comments as negative. The were intended to motivate folks to be attentive, not to avoid use. My point in that was to motivate folks to take precautions. I use the internet on the road. I even use CG wifi. I have my own router with strong passwords and my computer accounts are strong password protected. By strong, I mean 15 characters with a mix of upper and lower case letters, nunbers and special characters.

Now take it for what you want. Protected or unprotected.

Ignore a threat and you could be the next victim. Take simple precautions and stay safe.

AllegroD wrote:
While it is rare, do you want to be the one?

I don't entertain negative thinking like that. When I get on an airplane I expect to arrive safely.

If you wish you think that way, fine. Nothing wrong with it, and it's really none of my business. It's just how you've become accustomed to evaluating risk, as have a lot of people.

Hey I take my chances out on the roads every day, why would something that's less likely to happen than an auto accident get me too upset?

While it is rare, do you want to be the one?

joebedford wrote:

Us out West wrote:
Best answer in this whole thread...and it was early.

We use Verizon's MiFi Jetpack and feel this is the most secure we can be on the road

But what about this:

Verizon MiFi Hack

Hmmm...2 replies in the thread started in 2014. Sounds like the OP of that might be the problem.

Again, We use Verizon's MiFi Jetpack and feel this is the most secure we can be on the road

magicbus wrote:
Three banks in a year (and counting).

Good thing I don't bank in Ecuador.

magicbus wrote:
No sense going after individual accounts, much more lucrative to go after the big guys.

Exactly.

Us out West wrote:
Best answer in this whole thread...and it was early.

We use Verizon's MiFi Jetpack and feel this is the most secure we can be on the road

But what about this:

Verizon MiFi Hack

2oldman wrote:
I'm not sure how an account could be compromised without my knowing about that via text messages. Exactly HOW is an account drained?

They don't even need to hack your account to drain it. All they need to do is create legitimate payments and wire transfer the money away. It's happened 3 times in just the past year, two very successfully. No sense going after individual accounts, much more lucrative to go after the big guys. They hack the banks computers or just bribe an employee and get access to the systems to create what look like legitimate transfers.

Three banks in a year (and counting).

Dave