Our iPhones are an extension of ourselves these days, which means you need to know how to keep your phone and data safe while traveling. There are many phone-specific risks associated with overseas travel, so this post will show you how to keep your phone safe abroad so that you can focus on making the most out of your travel experience. Read on to find out more.
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Secure Your Device from the Start
First, you should prepare your iPhone before you leave for your trip. This means setting up a random passcode, enabling Face ID (or Touch ID), turning on “Find my iPhone”, and making sure that device encryption is active. These steps are recommended by the National Cyber Security Centre and will help protect your phone from day one, giving you peace of mind during your trip.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi & Data Connections
These days, it is easy to get on public Wi-Fi at places like hotels, airports, and cafes. While this has benefits, it can also create risks. Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, and there has been a rise in “evil-twin” networks and packet-sniffing, which are tactics used by cybercriminals for snooping and stealing data. To prevent this, you should use a free VPN for iPhone, which will create a secure connection and protect your sensitive data. However, it is still wise to avoid accessing any sensitive accounts or data when using public Wi-Fi.
Limit Exposure: Software Updates, Permissions, & Sharing
You should always keep iOS and software up to date, as new updates contain important security patches to protect your phone against the latest threats. You should also review app permissions (such as location, Bluetooth, and microphone) when travelling and disable auto-connect to unknown networks and Bluetooth when not in use. Reducing what you store and access on your device while travelling can also help reduce risk.
Backup, Recovery, & What to Do if Things Go Wrong
Finally, you should always back up your iPhone before traveling with the use of iCloud or encrypted local backups. You can also set up remote wipe and “Find My” features, which can offer important protection if your phone is lost or stolen abroad. If your phone is compromised, be sure to report it as quickly as possible to the local authorities and your mobile provider to minimise potential damage.
By following the advice in this post, you can prepare your iPhone for overseas travel and have peace of mind, knowing that you have taken steps to protect your phone and data.
