Before you go on a trip, it’s important to prepare and pack in advance. If you want to explore interesting places during your journey, plan ahead and research your destinations. For example, you can read this guide: https://newznav.com/10-top-things-to-do-in-qatar-for-first-time-visitors/. Also, don’t forget to bring all the essential items, documents, money, and gadgets.

Traveling with devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops offers convenience and keeps you connected, but it also exposes you to cyber threats like data breaches and theft. Here’s how you can minimize these risks.

1. Protect your devices

Securing your devices before you travel is the first step to keeping your personal information safe.

Before you travel

Unprotected devices and accounts are vulnerable. Strengthen your security by:

1. Installing antivirus and anti-spyware protection and enabling a firewall.
2. Locking devices with strong PINs or passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA).
3. Encrypting your devices and using strong, unique passwords or biometrics.
4. Enabling remote wipe or lock features to erase data if your device is lost or stolen.
5. Backing up important data to secure cloud storage.

While traveling

Travel increases the risk of theft and hacking. Stay cautious by:

1. Avoiding sharing travel plans or locations on social media until after you leave.
2. Being aware of your surroundings — shield screens and keyboards from prying eyes.
3. Disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data when not in use, and using a VPN on public networks where allowed.
4. Avoiding public charging stations or computers.
5. Using encrypted messaging apps instead of standard SMS.
6. Never connecting to unknown devices or USB drives.

2. Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and attractive to hackers.

To protect yourself:

1. Verify the network name with staff before connecting.
2. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking or work email).
3. If you must use public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN.

3. Keyloggers

Keyloggers record keystrokes and can steal your credentials.

Stay safe by:

1. Avoiding unfamiliar networks or public computers.
2. Disabling “Remember me” options on public devices.
3. Logging out of all accounts after use.

4. Bluetooth security

Unsecured Bluetooth connections can expose your devices to attacks.

To protect yourself:

1. Turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
2. Avoid pairing with rental cars or public systems. Delete the pairing afterward if necessary.
3. Regularly remove unused devices and disable automatic connections.

5. Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC enables contactless payments but can be exploited.

Protect yourself by:

1. Turning off NFC when not in use.
2. Ensuring NFC works only when your screen is unlocked.
3. Avoiding contactless payments in crowded or high-risk areas.

6. SIM cards and mobile networks

Insecure or counterfeit SIM cards can expose your data.

Follow these guidelines:

1. Buy SIM cards only from reputable providers.
2. Avoid jailbroken or rooted devices.
3. Prefer trusted international roaming plans instead of local SIMs in high-risk regions.

7. eSIM cards

eSIMs can be spoofed or compromised if not activated safely.

Stay secure by:

1. Activating eSIMs only through official carrier apps or websites.
2. Avoiding unverified QR codes.
3. Using a physical SIM if eSIM functionality seems unreliable.

8. Fake apps

Malicious or counterfeit apps can install malware or steal credentials.

Reduce the risk by:

1. Downloading apps and updates only from official app stores before your trip.
2. Disabling app installations from unknown sources.

9. Phishing and social engineering

Travelers are frequent targets of phishing and scams.

Be cautious by:

1. Ignoring unsolicited emails or messages asking for credentials or links.
2. Not assuming messages referencing your location are legitimate.

10. Smart assistants

Voice-activated assistants like Siri or Google Assistant can record sensitive data.

Protect yourself:

1. Disable voice assistants while traveling.
2. Avoid sharing personal information near such devices.

11. Mobile payment apps

Mobile payment apps are convenient but can be targeted by hackers.

To stay secure:

1. Use mobile payments only with trusted merchants.
2. Regularly review your bank statements for unusual transactions.

12. Malicious QR codes

Some QR codes lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.

Stay safe by:

1. Typing URLs manually instead of scanning random codes.
2. Only scanning codes from verified sources.

13. AirDrop and nearby sharing

These features can expose you to unwanted or malicious files.

Protect yourself by:

1. Setting sharing to “Contacts only” or disabling it when not needed.

14. Credential stuffing

Hackers often reuse stolen credentials across travel accounts.

Prevent this by:

2. Using strong, unique passwords and MFA for all travel-related accounts.
3. Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity.