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Keeping your electronic devices secure when travelling overseas is just as important as keeping your passport safe. Crime targeting electronic devices is a real and growing risk. Read this page to learn about: Information is a hot commodity. You don’t have to be working for a Government organisation or large corporation to be a potential target for data theft. Digital identity theft is a growing concern for tourists. Additionally, effective personal cyber security can also protect you from situations that can threaten your safety. If you’re travelling where there’s political or social unrest having information on your devices that can connect you to a particular cause or political affiliation can put you at risk, even if you’re unaware what you’re doing is potentially unsafe. How to prepare your devices and data before you leaveThe best way to protect your personal devices and data from being compromised is to leave them at home. If you don’t need it, don’t take it. Consider using a cheap burner phone for the trip, particularly if you intend to get a local SIM card. Remember not to use the burner phone at home after your trip. Dispose of it thoughtfully, and never store sensitive information on it. If a burner phone isn’t an option, there are steps you can take to make your devices as secure as possible.
How to keep your devices and data safe while you’re awayPreparing your device isn’t the only step you need to take. While you’re travelling, there are additional things you can do to keep your devices secure and your data safe. Physical safetyAlways keep your electronic devices with you.
Virtual safetyRemember that any information you send electronically can be intercepted, unless you can guarantee the network is secure. Wi-Fi is particularly vulnerable to malicious use. Your mobile network is often more secure than public Wi-Fi.
Using shared devicesNever trust publicly accessible shared devices. If shared computers aren’t well maintained, they may have keylogging malware that can record your passphrases, credit card details and other personal information that’s valuable for identity theft. USB connections can be used to transfer malicious malware and spyware to your devices. These can then be used to send your data to external recipients, and track your location. They can also remotely turn your microphone on to track conversations, even when the device is turned off.
We share our lives on social media. Unfortunately, that can make it a valuable target for cybercrime. Social media can also be particularly risky in some destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australia’s standards. Travellers have been arrested in the past for things they have said on social media.
What to do if you think your device has been compromisedYou may not be able to tell if your device has been compromised. But there are some things you can watch for.
If you’re worried your device has been compromised, there’s a few things you can do to protect yourself.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre’s www.cyber.gov.au contains a range of resources such as easy to follow step-by-step guides to improve cyber security. |