Warmer weather means travel, outdoor plans, and a little more time away from home — but it also means a little more opportunity for identity thieves. Whether you're heading out of town for work or fun, a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your personal information safe. Here are our team's top tips for protecting yourself this summer.
Secure Your Devices
Your phone and laptop travel with you everywhere, so make sure they're locked down. Use strong, unique passwords, keep your security software up to date, and enable two-factor authentication wherever it's available. These small steps add an important layer of protection if a device is ever lost or stolen.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi — Especially for Financial Transactions
That free Wi-Fi at the airport or coffee shop might be convenient, but it's not the place to check your bank account or trying to do a little work. Public networks are far easier for bad actors to intercept. Instead, use your phone's mobile data, or wait until you're on a connection you trust — like your home or office network — before banking, making purchases online or checking in on your work.
Slim Down Your Wallet
Before you head out the door, take a look at what's actually in your wallet. Carry only the IDs and cards you truly need for the day. The less you're carrying, the less you stand to lose and the less a thief can access if your wallet goes missing.
Choose Credit Over Debit for Travel Spending
When you're making purchases away from home, reach for a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit charges are generally easier to dispute than debit transactions, which means you're better protected if something goes wrong while you're far from home.
A little caution now can save you a lot of hassle later. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy your summer!
