During a normal year I conduct at least three different private training sessions with people of all levels and ages talking about cybersecurity and general security. One such training was this year with a mixed group of foreigners living in Albania working for NGO's and foreign embassies.
Each training is a good reminder for myself as well as for the work we do here at Sfida.PRO as we are on a constant review and beefing up of security.
Currently I have three different 2FA apps on my phone and the lists on each one of them keeps getting longer, anyway, enough about me. Read the rest of the article, hope you get some valuable advice and reminders.
As the seasons change, remember that cybersecurity isn’t just a one-time concern—it’s an ongoing necessity. Whether you’re packing for a summer vacation or a winter getaway, keeping your digital life secure should always be part of your travel checklist.
Timeless Cybersecurity Checklist:
1. Keep Your Devices Updated 
Regularly updating your phone, tablet, or laptop is like putting on a fresh layer of armor. Updates not only provide new features but also patch security vulnerabilities. Set your devices to update automatically, ensuring you don’t miss out on critical security improvements.
I do this all the time, our team constantly complains that I am to happy to click the ‘update’ button on websites and platforms, while sometimes breaking functionality, thankfully we are insistent on backing things up before updates 
2. Secure Your Home Network 
Before you leave for any trip or even if you're staying home, make sure your home network is secure. Change the default password on your router to something unique and strong. If you’re away for an extended period, consider turning off your router to prevent unauthorized access.
Do not take your hope set up as secure for granted. You pay for your devices, spend some time on how to learn to make them more secure, especially if you work from home or work remotely (like our team does )
3. Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi 
Public Wi-Fi networks, found in cafes and airports, are notoriously insecure. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers to intercept your data.
I have a short list of VPN apps that you can use for free and they do not steal your data behind your back. Consider installing the Warp app by Cloudflare, check out 1.1.1.1 for your devices, also Proton VPN and Quad9 apps are an awesome choice.
4. Practice Safe Use of Shared Computers 
When using a shared computer at a hotel or internet cafe, avoid accessing sensitive information like your bank account. If you do need to use a shared computer, remember to clear the browser’s cache and cookies before you log off.
Better yet, if you use a work computer, consider setting up a unique user for each person using that device. Both Windows, Apple and major Linux distros allow you to set up several users per device. Just do it and it will make your life easier.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. This could be a text message code or a fingerprint scan. Enabling 2FA makes it much more difficult for someone to access your accounts even if they know your password.
Here is a short list for your phone, both for iOS and Android devices: Google Authenticator; Authy; Proton Pass; VaultWarden and/or BitWarden for a secure personal or company set up – which is what we use for our clients and ourselves.
6. Regularly Back Up Your Data 
Always have a backup of your important files and documents. Whether you store them on an external hard drive or use cloud storage, backing up your data ensures that you can recover your information if your device is lost or compromised.
I have these 2 simple rules: 1 Online Copy; 1 Offline Copy; 1 Working Copy – so if you have a Word document, it needs to be on your device (working copy), it needs to be synched online (Online Copy) and it needs to be copied to a offline drive (Offline Copy). Generally I spend 20 minutes to 1 hour explaining these set ups to my trainees.
7. Keep Devices Close and Locked 
Never leave your devices unattended in public places. Use biometric features like fingerprint or facial recognition to lock your devices. This adds another barrier to potential thieves and unauthorized users.
I do one better, I don’t let anyone else touch my devices or use them in anyway, unless I am present. My kids don’t touch my laptop, they can only watch movies on my phone, but not install anything, I mean it. They have their own devices to play and or break!
8. Be Vigilant Against Phishing Scams via Email, SMS, Social Channels
Scammers are always on the lookout for easy targets. Be skeptical of emails or messages that ask for personal information or urge you to click on suspicious links. Always double-check the sender’s information and the legitimacy of the message.
Just this week I got an SMS (text message) from a UK number telling me I needed to update my shipping address as my order had not been delivered successfully the first time. The link and everything seemed legitimate, I just had to spend a bit more time to review it. The asked only for an 80 leke (0.80 cent) payment for the order to be re-sent to my ‘correct shipping address’.
In Closing
By integrating these cybersecurity habits into your daily routine, you can ensure a secure and enjoyable experience throughout the year, no matter where your travels take you. 
inbox!