Business Travel Mistakes: 5 Things to Avoid to Keep Your Data Safe

While it's true that everyone makes mistakes occasionally, there are some that professionals and business owners can't afford. Among these would be the careless handling of confidential company data and information. The corporation and all parties concerned stand to lose a lot of money if you do not secure this sensitive data.

So, when preparing for your next work trip, you must make sure that your work equipment is safe and sound. 

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Relying on Unsecured Public Networks

Public WiFi is one of the most common ways cyber crimes are perpetrated. These networks are often vulnerable and allow cybercriminals to eavesdrop on your online activity. What’s worse, some don’t require a password to log in. This means hackers within range may gain access to your data or use that connection to distribute malicious software to your phone. 

The situation is so concerning that some cyber crooks even create fake WiFi networks to trick you into connecting. Once you’re in, they can access your data and the activities you perform on the network. 

For example, if you are traveling to Turkey, instead of solely relying on public Wi-Fi, get an eSIM for Turkey. This will be your best bet for ditching public Wi-Fi. Because with eSIMs, you no longer have to depend on unsecured networks for internet access. Instead, you use your own secure connection, keeping your business data safe.

Deferring Software Updates 

Being interrupted by software updates is no fun. At some point, we’ve all been guilty of clicking “remind me later” when those update notifications appear. However, postponing your software update leaves your device vulnerable to security threats. 

Hackers often target outdated systems because they contain known vulnerabilities that developers have already patched in newer versions. Cybercriminals can exploit such weaknesses and gain unauthorized access to your data or device.

With the world constantly evolving and cyber threats doing the same, developers usually monitor for new threats and release updates to address them. These updates often introduce new security features or improve existing ones. 

Not Using a VPN

Without a VPN, your online activities are vulnerable. When you travel, hotels, airlines, and public networks can monitor your online activities. Your IP address shows your location, and websites may restrict access or display different rates depending on your location.

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic. This prevents tracking and keeps your activity private. It also helps you access region-restricted content, such as booking sites, streaming services, and banking apps that may not work in certain countries.

Whether you're booking flights, checking emails, or using navigation apps, a VPN ensures that your data stays private and your access remains unrestricted.

Neglecting Password Security

Your password is your first line of defense when traveling for work. Weak or reused passwords make it easy for hackers to access your accounts, especially when logging in from different locations.

Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Simple combinations like birthdays or common words are easy to guess. Instead, create strong, unique passwords with a mix of numbers, letters, and symbols.

Keeping track of different passwords when on the go might be painful. To ditch the hassle of remembering all of your credentials, use a password manager. These tools can store them securely and automatically fill in the blanks. No matter where your job takes you, this will guarantee that you can securely access your accounts.

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Having an Unreliable Internet Connection

One mistake to avoid is not securing reliable internet while traveling for work. Staying connected is essential, whether you need to join a meeting, respond to emails, or book accommodation.

As we mentioned to it earlier, — an eSIM makes this easy, too. Say you are traveling to Saudi Arabia and need a provider. Do your research, compare providers and get the best eSIM for Saudi Arabia. This way,  you get internet access as soon as you land — no need to find a local SIM card.

Unlike physical SIM cards, an eSIM is built into your phone, so there’s no risk of losing or damaging it. It offers a seamless, flexible, and secure way to stay connected.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to avoid, keeping your data safe during your next trip will be much easier. Don’t just shrug off these tips. Implement them and save yourself from avoidable risks. This way, you can focus on what really matters: your work.