How Travelers Accidentally Expose Their Personal Data Abroad

In all the excitement surrounding that long-awaited trip, few people stop to think about the dangers to their personal data. Some occur due to negligence, while others result from shady practices that exploit both the travel industry and its customers. Either way, here are the most prescient dangers to look out for and how to deal with each.

Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

Travelers often use the Wi-Fi at airports and hotels for free internet access. While these networks are legitimate, attackers might still monitor their traffic. If it’s unencrypted, they can see which websites you’re visiting and even steal credentials.

Prevention: Use a VPN
An active VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that shields the connection. Attackers might still register traffic, but they won't be able to intercept files and credentials or view your online activity. Pairing a VPN with the Best password manager also helps protect your accounts by generating and storing strong, unique passwords for every login while traveling.

Connecting to Unknown Networks

Since Wi-Fi in touristy areas is common and travelers are distracted, attackers sometimes set up fake networks. These look genuine and may behave normally. However, attackers have much more control over them. They can capture credentials through fake captive portals, redirect you to harmful websites, or trigger malware downloads.

Prevention: Pay Attention to the Name
While VPNs help, it's best to avoid connecting to fake networks. Ask staff to confirm the real Wi-Fi's name and turn off automatic connections.

Oversharing

Vacations are a big deal, and many people understandably want to brag about them online. Doing so can expose everything from the hotel you're staying at and sensitive documents like boarding passes to the fact that your home is ripe for a break-in.

Prevention: Post Responsibly
Sharing details about your trip is best done after the fact. That way, photos, itineraries, etc., can’t be used as an active source of information against you.

Buying Physical SIMs

Since Wi-Fi isn’t available everywhere, it makes sense to get a backup. Roaming can be hellishly expensive, so people turn to local SIMs. This isn’t ideal either, as some countries require ID verification, which can expose your personally identifiable information.

Prevention: Get an eSIM
eSIMs are an excellent alternative, especially if you’ll be visiting several countries. They’re easy to set up and more reasonably priced than roaming. Most importantly, they provide excellent coverage and consistent speeds since eSIM providers partner with multiple local carriers.

Device Theft

One moment of distraction is enough for someone to swipe a phone or laptop. If they were unlocked, the thief now has access to everything from account logins to sensitive information and personal files. They can lock you out of the accounts or impersonate you to spread malware or have contacts fall for scams.

Prevention: Secure Devices Both Physically and Digitally
If you’re a digital nomad and need a laptop for work, get a Kensington lock to secure it in place. Lock down laptops and phones with biometrics like Face ID, a long PIN, or a strong password. Have the lock screen appear after minimal idle time. File encryption is also recommended.

Leaving Documents in the Open

Travel involves a lot of paperwork, and you’re constantly asked to present passports, reservations, boarding passes, and more. All these documents contain enough information to create a detailed profile of you if left exposed and unattended. This may then be used for identity theft or to make social engineering scams more convincing.

Prevention: Secure Storage
Have a dedicated folder or pouch to keep physical document copies and expose them only when necessary. You’ll also want secure digital backups for convenience and in the case of theft.

Using Primary Accounts for Travel Activities

Travel deal websites, booking portals, trip recommendation apps, route planners, etc., are high-priority hacking targets. They’re very popular and aggregate lots of sensitive user data. Even if you’re responsible, a data breach that targets them can still expose your information.

Prevention: Use Separate Accounts
Try to separate travel from your day-to-day activities. That means creating separate accounts from an email you’ll use specifically for this purpose. It’s also a good idea to pay for related purchases with a dedicated card with controlled funding. That way, your primary accounts remain safe even if a breach you have no influence over compromises the others.