By By: Meida Wong
FCM, a global leader in business travel management, is highlighting crucial steps to safeguard personal data during travel. In today’s digital age, where extensive sharing of personal information is commonplace across various online activities, protecting this data is paramount, particularly while travelling.
According to FCM’s Chief Privacy Officer for Asia, travellers should adopt proactive measures to secure their personal information:
Secure Your Devices and Accounts:
Before travelling, ensure all devices—smartphones, laptops, tablets—are securely protected with robust passwords, PIN codes, or biometric authentication methods. Activate encryption features on devices and use encrypted messaging apps to shield data from unauthorized access.
Use Secure Networks:
Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks in places like airports, cafes, and hotels, particularly when handling sensitive activities such as banking transactions. Instead, opt for secure networks such as personal mobile data connections or VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Verify that websites for financial transactions use HTTPS encryption for secure communication.
Exercise Caution on Social Media:
Exercise discretion when sharing personal details, photos, and updates on social media platforms during travels. Delay posting real-time updates about your location or itinerary to minimize the risk of becoming a target for theft or surveillance. Review and adjust privacy settings on social media profiles to control who can access your content.
Minimize Location Sharing:
Avoid excessive sharing of location information on social media platforms, as this could compromise the security of your home and personal property. Disable Bluetooth connectivity when not in use to prevent potential unauthorized access to your devices.
“Protecting personal data requires ongoing vigilance and proactive measures,” emphasized FCM’s spokesperson. “By implementing these practices, travellers can significantly enhance their data security posture and enjoy a safer travel experience.”
As cyber threats continue to evolve, FCM encourages travellers to remain vigilant and prioritize data security throughout their journeys. Adopting these precautions ensures travellers can navigate the digital landscape with confidence, safeguarding their personal information from potential risks and vulnerabilities.
The author is the Chief Privacy Officer for FCM Asia
