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Summer Travel Cyber Security Tips For Government Employees
Vacationing as a government employee brings special security concerns. Follow these precautions to protect your devices and data on the beach and beyond.
3 Min Read
(Image: <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phishing.JPG" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>)
texts to you with additional passcodes for you to use when logging in. This added security measure decreases the risk of someone getting into your accounts. You can also set up other alerts on your accounts to send emails or texts for transactions over specific amounts. This will provide you with a warning should your cards or information be lost or stolen.
Every coffee shop, restaurant, hotel, and even some government facilities now offer free, publicly accessible WiFi. Although they might be convenient, beware using these hotspots. Using "man-in-the-middle" techniques, hackers can redirect your WiFi traffic to their PC and steal all of your IDs, passwords, and financial information.
International travelers are even more at risk because hackers know you have little knowledge of international sites. Many sites containing viruses and malware are directed to unsuspecting travelers advertising inexpensive transportation, tours and discounts. Government employees with remote access to their offices who access these sites can put data and systems at risk of denial of service, loss or corruption of data, and even remote control of systems. Similarly, many tourist attractions and tours offer mobile tour apps for installation on your smart phone or tablet. Stay away from these apps; you should install only the apps in your mobile device manufacturer's online store. Installing apps outside app stores increases the risk of a hacker infecting your mobile device, obtaining all your personal information, and gaining remote access to government facilities systems and data to which they are connected.
The most obvious security risk is device theft. With physical access to your device a cyber criminal can break your password in minutes. It might be tempting to take a quick dip while leaving your tablet or smartphone on the beach towel or chaise lounge but it's plenty of time for someone to walk away with it. Don't leave your laptop or phone unattended in a locked hotel room or in your car. Most hotels provide an in-room safe for your valuables: use it.
Cyber crime isn't limited to device data theft, of course. Travelers are also vulnerable to credit card crimes and theft of their financial information. Be wary of ATMs and POS systems. You should use only the devices of companies you know. Cyber criminals have gone as far as to place counterfeit ATMs in public areas to get credit and ATM card data and PINs.
Even when using known companies' machines you should be careful. Cyber criminals frequently place "skimmers" in ATM and POS systems to gather unsuspecting users' personal data. Look closely at the machine to see if there are unusual or loose parts on it. Plastic card readers might be pushed into the card reader to gather your data and transfer it wirelessly. If an ATM or POS system looks strange in any way, do not use it and notify the company.
Finally, never let your credit or ATM card out of your sight. Waiters and cashiers should be able to use portable devices at your table so you can see what they are doing. Portable "skimmers" are easily acquired from the Internet and your service person could steal all your information with a single swipe of your card.
Losing your personal information or devices to thieves affects not only you but your organization or governmental facility. Fortunately, observing these precautions can keep vacation time the carefree downtime you deserve.
Join us at GTEC, Canada's government technology event. Over 6,000 participants attend GTEC -- Government Technology Exhibition And Conference each year to exchange ideas and advance the business of information and communications technology (ICT) in government. Don't miss thought-provoking keynotes, workshops, panels, seminars, and roundtable discussions on a comprehensive selection of ICT topics presented by leading public sector and industry experts. Register for GTEC with marketing code MPIWKGTEC and save $100 on entire event and conference passes or for a free expo pass. It happens Oct. 27 to 30 in Ottawa.
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