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Taking photos on holiday is fun, right? Well, it might also put you at risk.
Travel blogging is a thrilling way to share experiences, document adventures, and inspire others to explore the world - but the digital space that makes travel blogging so exciting also opens up new vulnerabilities and opportunity to be exploited, sadly. As technology advances, so do the tactics of cyber criminals, who see both travel bloggers and holiday goers as prime targets, as both are unintentionally advertising their vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to understand the risks, and adopt strategies, to protect your digital footprint while sharing your journey with the world. In this article, Toro explore the cyber security threats that come with travel blogging and everyday travel experiences, offering practical tips on how to safeguard your personal information.
The Growing Risks of Digital Exposure
Travel blogging has evolved from a casual hobby into a full-fledged profession, with many millennials turning their passion for travel into a full-time career. Whether you're sharing your adventures from backpacking through Europe, enjoying luxury escapes in Asia, or exploring remote destinations in South America, your digital presence plays a key role in your travels. Even if you're just sharing your holiday photos with friends and family, your online activity still comes with risks; while followers may admire your travels, cyber criminals see an opportunity to exploit personal data, and many travellers remain unaware of the dangers.
An increased frequency of travel, or increase in content, receives both the positive attention content creators craze, but has the chance of attracting the attention of criminals.
Increased reliance on digital tools - like online bookings, mobile apps, and cloud storage makes it easier to stay connected on the road - yet these same tools open the door for cyber-attacks. Hackers have developed sophisticated tactics to intercept travel data, steal identities, and cause major disruptions, so whether you're sharing a post on your blog, interacting with followers on social media, or making a payment through your phone, every digital action leaves behind traces [a digital footprint] that cyber criminals can exploit.
Why Travellers Are Vulnerable
Both travel bloggers and everyday holiday goers face unique cyber security challenges. From sharing itineraries and real-time locations to booking accommodations and flights online, travellers unknowingly expose themselves to risks. Here are some of the primary threats:
Public Wi-Fi Networks
While public Wi-Fi networks are convenient for checking emails or sharing photos, they are also a happy hunting ground for hackers, who can execute a man-in-the-middle attack using easily obtainable tech such as the Wi-Fi Pineapple. Public networks in airports, coffee shops, or hotels may not be encrypted, making it easier for malicious actors to intercept sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords and other plain text credentials.
Phishing Scams
As digital platforms become more integrated into the travel experience, phishing attacks are on the rise. Phishing schemes often appear in the form of fraudulent emails, fake booking confirmations, or text messages that look like legitimate travel services. When travellers click on links in these messages, they risk giving hackers access to their financial details or installing malware on their devices.
Data Breaches and Account Compromise
Whether you're a travel blogger or just sharing your trip with loved ones, you likely use various online platforms for bookings, social media, and communication. These platforms are all potential entry points for hackers. If any of your accounts are compromised, your travel plans, financial information, and personal identity are at risk. Toro have assisted with at least one case where a business traveller was followed abroad, due to their flight and travel plans becoming compromised. This sort of breach could also expose that your home is left unoccupied, too, a prime opportunity for burglary.
Over-sharing Personal Information
Sharing too much personal information - whether it’s your exact location, hotel details, or flight itineraries can put your safety in jeopardy. This is especially true for solo travellers or those sharing intimate details about their whereabouts in real-time.
Reverse Image Lookups & Google Lense
Avoid posting travel photos until after you return home. Posting images in real-time can reveal your exact location, making you vulnerable to stalking, robbery, or even targeted cyber threats. Photos contain metadata, including geolocation coordinates, which can be extracted using tools like Google Lens or reverse image searches. Further, Google will enable criminals to lookup your location based on what is in the background of your photos, too! Criminals can use this data to determine where you are or where you’re not, such as your unoccupied home, making it an easy target for burglary. Disabling geotags and location tracking in your camera settings can help minimise risks.
Jurisdictions Aren’t All Equal in Data Protection
Data protection laws vary widely from country to country. Some destinations have strong privacy regulations, while others lack adequate cyber security measures, putting your personal and financial information at risk whilst travelling. In certain jurisdictions, including some common holiday destinations, government authorities, businesses, or hackers may have easier access to your data, including personal messages, financial transactions, and online activity. To mitigate this risk, travellers should use a VPN, avoid logging into sensitive accounts on unsecured networks, and be mindful of what data they share online while abroad.
Fake Emergency Calls & Money Transfer Scams
One common scam involves fraudsters calling your family or friends, claiming that you have been injured, hospitalised, arrested, or even kidnapped. The criminals then request an urgent money transfer to cover supposed medical bills, legal fees, or ransom payments. These scams rely on social engineering tactics and may be fuelled by information publicly available on social media. To protect against this, ensure your emergency contacts are aware of your actual travel plans, use secure communication channels, and set up authentication phrases with family members for verifying any distress calls.
Currency, Bank Cards, PINs, and Using ATMs Abroad
Managing money safely while abroad is crucial to avoiding fraud, theft, or financial loss. Before travelling, notify your bank of your trip to prevent transactions from being flagged or your card being blocked as fraudulent misuse. When withdrawing cash, use ATMs inside banks or secure locations rather than street-side machines, which are more vulnerable to skimming devices. Always shield your PIN when entering it and opt for contactless payments when possible. Be cautious when exchanging currency - official exchange counters or bank ATMs are safer than street vendors offering unrealistically good rates. Using a mix of payment methods, such as credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and some local currency, ensures you won’t be left stranded if one method fails or you face an emergency abroad. Finally, enabling multi-factor authentication on your banking apps and setting spending alerts can help you detect and prevent unauthorised transactions while on the go. Consider using a pre-paid card debit card which limits the amount of money you will lose if the card is stolen but can be regularly topped-up using an app when connected to a mobile network or secure WIFI. These cards often also provide the best exchange rate, and do not incur the Forex charge many banks add to overseas transactions.
Essential Strategies to Protect Your Digital Presence
When travelling, it's essential to take proactive steps to safeguard your online presence. Here are some actionable cyber security practices that will help you keep your data secure while on the move:
1. Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for securing your internet connection, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN encrypts your online activity, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive data.
2. Enable Multi Factor Authentication
Adding a second layer of security to your online accounts is a must. Multi-factor authentication (2FA) requires a verification code, sent to your mobile device or email, to access your accounts. This added layer ensures that even if your password is compromised, your data remains protected.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using the same password across multiple accounts is a significant security risk. Ensure that each of your accounts has a strong, unique password to reduce the chances of being hacked. Consider using a password manager to store and manage your passwords securely.
4. Limit Real-Time Location Sharing
One of the most common mistakes travel bloggers make is sharing real-time location data. Instead of posting about your exact location or hotel in real-time, opt for delayed posts. This will minimise your exposure to potential threats and ensure that you are not putting yourself in danger by sharing too much information about where you are.
5. Regularly Update Your Software
Keeping your operating systems, apps, and security software updated is one of the easiest ways to stay protected. Software updates often contain security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. Before traveling, make sure your devices are running the latest versions of software, the updates can be sizeable and when using international roaming, can be costly and slow to update whilst sitting on the beach!
6. Secure Your Social Media Profiles
Your social media profiles reflect your personal and professional life and form a significant part of your Digital Footprint. Take control of your privacy settings by limiting who can see your posts and interact with your content. Additionally, avoid oversharing personal information and use privacy filters to ensure that your posts reach only the audience you intend.
7. Monitor Your Digital Footprint
Periodically, search for your name (ideally using a browser in Incognito mode) to see what personal information is available online. Make adjustments to privacy settings as necessary and consider using services that help remove personal data from data broker sites.
8. SIM PIN and eSIM benefits
Depending on your mobile provider, you may find that using a local SIM card will save you money whilst travelling. Whilst physical SIM cards for travellers are often available in airports, most handsets now support an eSIM, which can be bought and activated prior to travel. Many eSIM providers offer regional packages, so you need only one eSIM to allow you to use your phone in connecting airports, as some, such as Istanbul Ataturk, require a scan of your passport to allow WIFI access – which not everyone is comfortable with. For extra security, have a UK eSIM for travelling and leave your physical SIM at home. You will still have data and the ability to receive calls, but your SIM will not have been registered as travelling to multiple foreign destinations. Whatever you do, make sure ALL your physical and eSIMS have a pin code set. If your phone is stolen, your SIM cannot be used in a new handset to receive SMS authentication.
As the travel industry becomes more digital, new technologies and trends will continue to shape the way bloggers interact with their audiences and document their adventures, with many holiday companies in Europe and afar turning to apps for resort Rep interactions and booking excursions.
From biometric authentication to encrypted payment systems, cyber security innovations will enhance travel bloggers’ ability to stay secure while online. However, these technologies also bring new challenges – and risk. Staying up to date with emerging security threats and adopting best practices will remain key to protecting your Digital Footprint as a travel blogger.
Whether you're a travel blogger documenting your adventures or just sharing your holiday photos with friends and family, your online presence is a big part of your journey. By being aware of the risks and taking simple steps to protect your personal information, you can keep sharing your experiences without worrying about your security.