From private jets to exclusive resorts, to remote location adventures, high end travel offers experiences that are truly unparalleled. However, while indulging in an opulent getaway, it is imperative to remain vigilant about cybersecurity and personal safety in today’s interconnected world.

Ensuring comprehensive travel preparedness is essential. This article aims to provide insights on how to enjoy travel while safeguarding personal and digital security.

Preparing to book

As you start making travel plans, use some smart cybersecurity strategies to help protect your digital assets and minimize risks while fostering a smoother and safer travel experience.

First, be aware that cybercriminals target travelers with look-a-like travel websites, vacation home listings and scams to steal personal information or money.

Marie-Claire was excited to book her flights to France to visit family. Unfortunately, in her eagerness to get the travel booked, she landed on a fake airline website, seemingly booked the flights and even uploaded six family members’ passport numbers, before realizing it wasn’t the real airline website. She lost not only money, but sensitive information that was now in the hands of cybercriminals.

Tip: Use reputable booking platforms, which have security measures in place to protect your transactions and personal information for flights, accommodations and activities. According to AARP, 30% of Americans have fallen victim to a scam or know someone else who has while booking or taking trips.¹ Only use platforms you trust.

• Look for sites to start with https:/ to help you determine you are on a secure website.
• Don’t book travel off a link embedded in an email in the event it is a phishing email. Verify the booking site through multiple means. Always go directly to the company's site to verify any travel offer.

William thought he had done all his homework by researching the Montana ranch for the family’s summer trip. He researched the house and the host, and he read the rave reviews about the amazing views. So when the “host” suggested that he pay directly, he wired the $25,000 down payment. Unfortunately, he never heard from the “host” again, as the rental had been spoofed. Had William stayed on the platform, he would have had a recourse to get his money back.

Tip: In the event you are booking a vacation home, stay on the platform to make the payment. As enticing as it might be to save a few dollars, if the “host” asks you to make a direct payment, you have no recourse if the rental ends up being a well-orchestrated scam.

• Avoid making payments through wire transfers, gift cards or other untraceable methods, as these are common tactics used by scammers.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. If they seem that way, they probably are. Always read reviews from previous guests to gauge the legitimacy of the listing. Be wary of listings with no reviews or overwhelmingly positive reviews that may appear to be fake.

Keep it private while away

As cybercriminals and burglars alike are scouring sites for information on when you may not be paying attention to your online accounts or not be home, it’s important that everyone in the traveling party be on the same page about “oversharing” information that could compromise you. You can always overshare about how great the trip was when you get home.

• Keep travel plans private; avoid sharing itinerary, location check-ins or updates on social media to prevent alerting cyber criminals and burglars from knowing when and where you’ll be away.
• Use your mobile carrier's network instead of public Wi-Fi, which can be compromised or spoofed. Make sure your devices do not auto-connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other technologies. If you must use the resort’s Wi-Fi, use a reputable VPN and verify the resort’s network with staff.
• Activate remote wipe and "find my device" features on your devices. Disable file sharing and Bluetooth when not in use. Switch devices off when not in use, and store them in Faraday bags. A Faraday bag is a specialized enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields and prevents signals from being read off your devices while in transit, including smartphones, tablets and credit cards, thereby protecting them from hacking, tracking and data theft.
• Use privacy screens on devices to prevent shoulder surfing and to restrict visibility.
• Avoid public USB charging stations, as they could be used to load malware onto your devices.

Travel preparedness and physical security

While we often associate preparedness with being ready for disasters at home, it’s equally crucial to extend that mindset to our travels. Whether you’re planning an adventurous escape, a no-frills road trip or a restful weekend getaway, incorporating travel preparedness into your plans can make all the difference in fostering a safe and enjoyable journey.

Before you go, understand the potential threat landscape by researching risks specific to your destination, including cyber threats, physical safety concerns and potential political instability – and take appropriate precautions, as the threat landscape has changed, particularly in the last few years.² Be aware of your surroundings, choose secure accommodations with robust security measures and opt for reputable transportation services.

Prior to departing, consider the following precautions:³

• Purchase adequate travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.
• Back up important documents by making digital and physical copies of important travel documents, such as your passport, visa and itinerary. Store them securely and separately from the originals.
• Back up your phone and other devices before you go in the event they are stolen. Consider taking a “secondary phone” or device for the trip if you assess the travel and loss risk as high. Limit sensitive data on devices, and use secure cloud services or external storage devices for access. This ensures you have access to your data even if your device is compromised.
• Consider bags such as Faraday to store your devices while traveling and to help protect them from becoming compromised.
• Install a reputable mobile anti-virus app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Before embarking on any journey, it's crucial to assess the potential risks and ensure you have a comprehensive plan in place to address them. Research the safety, health advisories, travel restrictions and latest cyber threats of your destination. Check official government travel advisories for the latest information. Download necessary travel apps before leaving home and only from trusted sources.

Consider the following potential risks and critical questions to determine if your trip is truly worth undertaking:

• Geopolitical crisis. How will I safely exit the country if political unrest or conflict occurs?
• Natural disaster. What’s my evacuation plan if a natural disaster strikes my location?
• Medical emergency. If I become ill or injured, what is my plan for emergency care and medical evacuation?
• Cyber attack. How will I respond if my devices are hacked or compromised while traveling?

As you embark on your journey to explore new destinations or return to your favorites, it is imperative to prioritize both your personal and digital security. By staying informed and thinking about safety holistically and comprehensively and adopting proactive measures such as using secure networks, safeguarding personal information and remaining vigilant in unfamiliar environments, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind.

As you plan your next trip, take the time to implement these strategies and share this knowledge with your family, companions and fellow travelers. If you’re looking to learn more about cybersecurity and how you might integrate it into your wealth management, reach out to your J.P. Morgan advisor.

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