When you travel to a foreign country, one of the last things on your mind is likely safety online. However, just like in your home country, there are certain things you need to keep in mind when using the internet in other countries.
Let us discuss eight tips to help you stay safe when surfing the web in other countries.
1. Use a VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a great way to keep your data and browsing activity safe when using the internet in other countries. A VPN will make it much more difficult for hackers and others to access your information by encrypting your data.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a VPN, such as whether or not the VPN keeps logs of your data and activity. It is also important to make sure that the VPN has servers in the country you will be visiting.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public wifi is one of the biggest risks to your safety when surfing the web in other countries. Hackers can easily set up fake wifi networks in public places, such as airports and cafes, and use them to steal your data.
If you need to use public wifi, make sure you are connected to a secure network or preferably use your mobile wifi because your phone’s data plan is more secure. You can usually tell if a network is secure by looking for a padlock icon next to the network name.
Another way to stay safe on public wifi is to use a VPN, as mentioned above. A VPN will make it much more difficult for hackers to access your information by encrypting your data.
3. Be Careful Where You Click
Another way to stay safe when surfing the web in other countries is to be careful about what you click. Many websites and emails contain malicious links that can infect your computer with malware or viruses.
If you are unsure about a link, hover over it with your mouse to see where it will take you before clicking. You can also use a tool like VirusTotal to scan links for malware.
It is best to avoid clicking on links from unknown sources. If you do click on a suspicious link, make sure you have a good antivirus program installed on your computer.
4. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software is one of the biggest security risks, no matter where you are in the world. Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit old vulnerabilities, so keeping your software up to date is important.
This includes your operating system, web browser, plugins, and any other software you have installed on your computer. Most software programs will automatically update themselves, but you should occasionally check for updates manually as well.
You can usually find updates for your software in the “Updates” or “Settings” area of the program. If you are unsure about how to update your software, you can contact the support team for help.
5. Use a Secure Browser
When surfing the web in other countries, it is important to use it. A secure browser is a web browser that has been designed with security in mind.
Some of the most popular secure browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. These browsers all have built-in security features to help protect you from malware and phishing attacks.
In addition to using a secure browser, you should also make sure you use the latest version of your chosen browser. Older versions of browsers are often not as secure as the newest versions and can be more easily exploited by hackers.
6. Avoid Sharing Personal Information
When surfing the web in other countries, you should avoid sharing personal information. This includes your home address, email address, phone number, and credit card number.
7. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a security measure that requires you to use two forms of identification when logging into a website or service.
This usually means entering your password and then confirming your identity with a code that is sent to your phone or email. Two-factor authentication can help protect you from phishing attacks and other types of cybercrime.
8. Keep Your Devices With You
When traveling, it is important to keep your devices with you at all times. This includes your laptop, smartphone, and any other devices that you use to access the internet.
By keeping your devices with you, you can reduce the risk of them being lost or stolen. If you do need to leave your devices in a public place, make sure they are securely locked away.
Closing Thought
These are just a few tips to help you stay safe when surfing the web in other countries. For more information about online security, we recommend checking out our blog post on how to protect yourself from cybercrime.
