Stay Cyber Safe While Traveling This Summer

Plane on a blue background
By UCLA Health IT
2 min read

Summer travel often means relying on airports, hotels, rental cars, and other shared spaces where convenience can make it easier to let your guard down. Cybercriminals take advantage of that. A few extra precautions can go a long way toward protecting your accounts, devices, and personal information while you’re away, including limiting what you bring, being careful where you connect, and taking a few follow-up steps when you return.

  • If you don’t need it, don’t travel with it. Bring only the devices, files, and accounts you truly need for your trip. The less sensitive information you carry, the less you have at risk if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised.
  • Be cautious with public Wi‑Fi. If possible, use your cellular connection or personal hotspot instead of public networks. If you do need to use public Wi‑Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts, making purchases, or entering personal information unless you are certain the site is secure and the network is legitimate.
  • Double-check before joining a network. Fake networks can be made to look like official airport, hotel, or café Wi‑Fi. Confirm the correct network name with staff, and turn off automatic connection to unfamiliar networks.
  • Think before scanning QR codes. Public QR codes posted in common areas can be replaced or tampered with. Only scan codes from trusted sources, and preview the link before opening it. If something looks suspicious, go directly to the company’s official website or app instead.
  • Avoid plugging into public USB charging ports. Use your own wall adapter, power bank, or a charge-only adapter rather than connecting your phone or tablet directly to public USB ports.
  • Do not connect your device to public or unknown devices. Avoid pairing with unfamiliar Bluetooth accessories, connecting to public computers, or accepting unexpected prompts to trust another device. Do not access anything sensitive, such as your main email account, work systems, banking, or other personal accounts, on any public computer. If you must use a shared computer for a basic task, sign out completely when you are done and avoid saving any information.
  • Keep your devices updated. Install operating system and app updates before you travel so you have the latest security patches.
  • Lock and protect your devices. Use a strong passcode, biometric sign-in, and multi-factor authentication where available. Never leave devices unattended in public places.
  • Watch out for phishing and travel scams. Be cautious of urgent messages about flights, reservations, delivery issues, or account problems. Scammers often use travel season to trick people into clicking fake links or sharing credentials.
  • Back up important information before you go. If a device is lost, stolen, or compromised, a recent backup can make recovery much easier.
  • Change passwords when you get back. If you traveled with devices, used unfamiliar networks, or logged in while on the go, updating important passwords after you return adds an extra layer of protection.

Whether you’re traveling for work or vacation, a little extra caution can go a long way. Taking a thoughtful approach before, during, and after your trip can help reduce risk and make it easier to protect your information while you’re away.