When you travel, you may need to access the internet for work or personal purposes. However, using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose your data and devices to various risks, such as hackers, malware, or identity theft. How can you secure network communications while traveling? Here are some tips and best practices that can help you protect your privacy and security online.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts and routes your internet traffic through a remote server. This way, you can hide your IP address, location, and online activity from anyone who may try to intercept or monitor your connection. A VPN also allows you to access geo-restricted or censored content, such as streaming services or websites. To use a VPN, you need to download and install a VPN app on your device and connect to a server of your choice. Make sure you choose a reputable and reliable VPN provider that offers strong encryption, fast speed, and no-logs policy.
Implement secure remote access VPN solutions from reputable Security solutions providers is essential. As Security experts we should do research into our existing Infrastructure and what they are capable of and any potential solutions we may want to implement. After implementation we must ensure we update the hardware firmware, ios and ensure we apply patches as recommended by the Hardware/Software vendors to ensure we are protected from emerging threats that exploit remote sessions initiated over the internet by users at home and in transit.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is one of the most secure implementations you can use on your network. Remember to set a high policy password to minimise the risks. Always remember that your network will be more powerful when you use a high role password policy.
Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways to secure your network communications while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, hiding it from potential eavesdroppers on public networks like hotels or airports. It also masks your IP address, providing an additional layer of privacy. From my experience, it's crucial to choose a reputable VPN provider and ensure it's always enabled when connecting to untrusted networks. I've found that this significantly reduces the risk of sensitive information being intercepted, especially when accessing corporate resources remotely.
Using a virtual private network secure your network while in transit, it means that you are accessing the network securely. However, you need to ensure that your VPN software is updated and it’s synchronised with your organisation firewall.
To enhance your communication & productivity while on transit using VPN, you should also consider some best practices, such as: Choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider or service that meets your requirements and budget. Use a strong and unique password for your VPN account and device, and enable multi-factor authentication if possible. Keep your VPN software and device updated with the latest security patches and firmware. Use a VPN kill switch feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured devices when connecting to your VPN, as they may expose your data to hackers or malware.
A firewall is a software or hardware device that filters and blocks incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules. A firewall can help you prevent unauthorized access, malware, or cyberattacks from reaching your device or network. An antivirus is a software that detects and removes malicious programs, such as viruses, worms, or ransomware, that can harm your device or data. You should enable both firewall and antivirus on your device and keep them updated before you travel. You should also scan your device regularly and avoid opening suspicious links or attachments.
Enabling a firewall and antivirus on your devices provides a strong defense against malware and unauthorized access. The firewall monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules, while the antivirus scans for and removes any malicious software. In my travels, I've ensured that both are always up-to-date and active, particularly when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often targets for cyber-attacks. These tools act as a first line of defense, protecting your device from a wide range of threats.
Enabling firewall on your device will help control what services or websites you are visiting. For example on windows the local firewall is able to protect you from downloading malicious software For the anti-virus make sure is enabled and updated to the latest signature database. Firewall and anti-virus used together will protect your device from malicious software attacking your device
Les pare-feu sont des barrières utilisées pour protéger les réseaux contre les pirates informatiques, les logiciels malveillants et autres attaquants. Ils se présentent sous forme matérielle et logicielle et offrent une sécurité renforcée entre les réseaux et les menaces extérieures. Les avantages sont : savoir evaluer et filtrer l’accès des utilisateurs Créer des barrières entre les réseaux et Internet, alerter les administrateurs en cas de tentative d'accès non autorisé, définir et appliquer les règles de sécurité et d'authentification L'antivirus. L'antivirus détecte et nettoie les virus, les adwares et toutes autres applications potentiellement indésirables, il offre une protection qui bloque les attaques avancées.
Monitoring your network is essential to provide the best security way, filtering network traffic, ports and websites, makes all things better. When we talk about security, every step is important, it is not just a website or a program, it is a step before a cyber attack, so check the connections, websites and files running in your infrastructure.
HTTPS, or hypertext transfer protocol secure, is a protocol that ensures secure communication between your browser and the website you visit. HTTPS uses SSL, or secure sockets layer, to encrypt the data that is exchanged between the two parties. This prevents anyone from eavesdropping, tampering, or stealing your information. You can tell if a website uses HTTPS by looking for a padlock icon or a green address bar in your browser. You should always use HTTPS websites, especially when you enter sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. You can also use a browser extension, such as HTTPS Everywhere, that automatically redirects you to HTTPS versions of websites.
Ensuring that your communications are encrypted is vital when traveling. Always use websites that begin with HTTPS, where 'S' stands for 'Secure', indicating that SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption is being used. This means that any data transmitted between your browser and the website is encrypted and much harder for attackers to read. In my practice, I've also used browser extensions that force an HTTPS connection whenever possible, providing an extra layer of security when browsing the internet on potentially insecure networks.
HTTPS utilise le protocole SSL/TLS pour chiffrer les communications afin que les attaquants ne puissent pas voler de données. SSL/TLS confirme également qu'un serveur de site web est bien celui qu'il prétend être, empêchant ainsi les usurpations d'identité. Le HTTPS assure la protection des données des utilisateurs. De fait, cela peut renforcer la confiance de vos clients en vous et en votre site Internet. De plus en plus fréquent, mais non systématique, le HTTPS est un gage de sécurité pour les visiteurs de votre site Le SSL est une technologie standard de sécurisation des connexions Internet par le chiffrement des données transitant entre un navigateur et un site web (ou entre deux serveurs).
Passwords are the first line of defense for your online accounts and services. You should use strong passwords that are long, complex, and unique for each account. You can use a password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password, to generate and store your passwords securely. You should also enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts, if available. 2FA is a feature that adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code or a token that is sent to your phone or email, in addition to your password. This way, even if someone steals or guesses your password, they cannot access your account without the second factor.
Always remember to use two factor authentication. In a case where someone has your password they will fail to hack your account as the two factor will provide second layer of security. A couple of days I was seeing login attempts to my LinkedIn account they were failing to proceed because I enabled two factor.
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly enhance your security posture while traveling. Strong, unique passwords reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts, while 2FA provides an additional verification step, typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an app, which must be entered along with your password. During my travels, I've relied heavily on a trusted password manager to maintain complex, unique passwords for each account and always enable 2FA where available, ensuring that even if a password is compromised, my accounts remain secure.
Un mot de passe fort est le principal obstacle qui empêche le piratage de la plupart de vos comptes en ligne. Il doit être long et contenir des lettres, des signes de ponctuation, des symboles et des chiffres La double authentification ou authentification à deux facteurs, authentification à double facteur est une phase qui permet à l'utilisateur d'apporter la preuve de son identité. Elle intervient après la phase dite d'identification. Elle permet de répondre à la question : "êtes-vous réellement cette personne ?". L'utilisateur utilise un authentifiant ou "code secret" que lui seul connait.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the best features to provide the best possible security, think of an extra layer of security in your strong password. Even if the attacker has your real password, they won't be able to access your account because they'll need a 2FA code, which is randomly generated to ensure that the time until the next authentication key change is short.
Public or shared devices, such as computers in hotels, airports, or cafes, are not safe to use for network communications. You do not know who has used them before, what software they have installed, or what malware they may contain. You also do not know who may be watching your screen or keystrokes, or what data they may store or collect. You should avoid using public or shared devices for any sensitive or personal tasks, such as banking, shopping, or emailing. If you have to use them, make sure you log out of your accounts, clear your browser history and cache, and delete any files you downloaded or created.
Securing network communications while traveling is not difficult, but it requires some awareness and precautions. By following these tips and best practices, you can reduce the risks of exposing your data and devices to cyberthreats and enjoy a safer and more private online experience.
You can still use those when you know how to keep your data safe, for example using "Incognito" or "Private browsing" while using browser will not store any data after you close it but rememeber to log out again. Make sure you're completely logged out of all applications and websites before leaving the device. Also log out of existing accounts. If someone used the device before you, make sure they're completely logged out of all applications and websites, especially email and social media, void downloading and installing any software or applications, as they could be malware or viruses while being aware of phishing scams. Don't click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments, especially from unknown senders.
Just remember one thing, if you choose to use public networks, such as airport Wi-Fi, all access can be intercepted, using the way that you do not know who created or configured the network. Hardware and software methods can be used to gain access to all the data, main in the middle equipment or software sniffers can be used thought, it is not recommended to use public network, keep it in mind.
I remember an incident when a corporate VPN firewall identified malware on a staff member's laptop. The infection occurred when the employee unwittingly introduced a virus through a USB drive. Upon attempting to connect to the office network via VPN, an alert was triggered, leading to an automatic blocklisting of the laptop's MAC address. The company's IT team isolated the infected laptop from the network and eradicated the malicious software. The team discovered the entry point and reinforced cybersecurity training for all employees. The incident served as a catalyst for the company to strengthen its overall cybersecurity posture. Regular security audits, updates to antivirus protocols, and continuous employee education became integral.
The best security is not having the need for security. If you don't take your corporate laptop, only take the necessary items you need for the trip, and focus on the objective instead of your work back at work then security is easy. I will often take a burner laptop that I can use while on vacation or business trips that don't require me to login to the office network, check emails, etc. Most of us cannot use this approach, but if you can it will eliminate the concerns for security for you and your organization.
We must not consider security solely through individual initiatives like cryptography, antivirus, etc. In a business context, security must be considered in terms of architecture. Security architecture involves the strategic design of systems, networks, policies, and technologies to protect business assets from cyber threats. A well-designed security architecture aligns cybersecurity with the business goals and risk management profile of the organization, focusing on keeping the business core and information protected. There are well-known frameworks and standards for cybersecurity architecture, all of them with common must-have points such as ZTNA, IAM, Endpoint security, and, most importantly, user training focused on cybersecurity.
Recuerda que no todo lo que parece oro lo es, que una WiFi de uso público no es lo recomendable para conectarte ni siquiera aunque habilites una VPN, y que es preferible esperar si no existe urgencia, usar tu propio móvil para habilitar una conexión compartida con el PC es mejor que la wifi del Starbucks aunque te quedes sin datos. Y que el endpoint es el punto más crítico.