Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/889690
compromise that equipment for the pur- pose of lifting a steady stream of private information. BE VIGILANT Even so, data theft is just one-half of the risk in an unknown environment; the actual theft of one's device is the other. While gov- ernments around the world are still sorting out how to protect us better, Canadians can get some guidance from Ottawa in a posting called Cyber Security While Travelling found at travel.gc.ca. Start by putting a checkmark on the three most important steps to take— and then add a few more protections for good measure—even if the trek with your device is just down the road: • Wi-Fi: In public hotspots, don't log on to a wireless connection before confirming its safety. Some connections are tainted but are made to look trustworthy. For example, perpetrators might change the name of the actual HotelABCInternet to a fraudulent SecureHotelABCInternet. Sometimes they change just one letter. Double-check network names with the establishment—and best rule-of-thumb: never transmit information that could be read by any outsider. • Bluetooth: This technology involves the free flow of data between two devices with little or no user confirmation. Blue- tooth allows, therefore, other networks to connect without authorization. Dis- able it while travelling to prevent unwanted connection attempts. If you must use Bluetooth, disable it afterwards each time. • Public computing: Always be skeptical about the security of unfamiliar devices and networks. Publicly used equipment could be loaded with covert software designed to steal personal information. Use those resources with the assumption that any information you enter could be seen by an unauthorized third party. FALL/ WINTER 2017 DREAMSCAPES 51 DS • Always use a password to access the data on your device, and if available, enable the option to erase all data when the password is entered incorrectly 10 times. • Be aware of your surroundings and who might be able to view your screen. • Disable the Wi-Fi connection when not using it. • Avoid charging your device on public docking stations, which could transfer malicious intent. • Protect your tablet/laptop data by installing up-to-date anti-virus software, spyware protection, operating system security patches, and a personal firewall. Set the web browser to the highest security setting possible and ensure that any other user cannot disable these features. • Never use an unknown USB flash drive (storage device), which could carry malicious intent. Same with unknown CDs and DVDs. • Don't let your device out of your sight for any purpose. Find out if your airline of choice will let you keep devices in your carry-on bag. • Never lend your phone to a stranger for a quick "emergency" call. • Research anti-theft options such as locking your phone remotely. • Write your name into the screensaver of mobile devices so, if lost, they can be returned. • Lock up valuable electronic equipment in the hotel safe. The good hiding spots are likely common knowledge. • Learn about the laws governing intellectual property, digital information, and the use of encryption in the countries you plan to visit. The Canada-based embassy or consulate of those countries is a good place to begin. For example, certain enter- tainment data on your laptop might be legal in one place but not in another. Furthermore, these restrictions may extend beyond the data to the hardware, and to the format in which it is stored. Wherever you travel, the border agents are entitled to search and seize your property. • Keep up with advancements, such as making your data unreadable to third parties with VPN software. VPNs are available commercially and easily downloaded. As mentioned above, some countries limit the use of this encryption technology. Find out which countries do and don't at wassenaar.org. MORE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES