Protecting Your Business Data While Travelling: Essential IT Security Practices

Whether you're working remotely from a café in Melbourne, a hotel in Sydney or managing business tasks during a holiday abroad, keeping secure away from the office is crucial. Travel exposes your devices and data to risks that simply don't exist within your secure office network, and understanding those risks is the first step to protecting your business.

The Real Risk of Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks in hotels, airports, and cafés create genuine security vulnerabilities for business data. These networks are often unsecured, making it relatively straightforward for malicious bad actors or hackers to intercept your data.

When travelling, Advance Computing recommend using either your mobile data connection or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for any work-related activities, bookings, or purchases. This simple switch significantly reduces your exposure and helps keep your sensitive business information secure.

Secure Your Connection

A VPN protects and secures your connection whilst you're using your computer online.

When you connect through a VPN, your connection is encrypted so your data is protected in transit across an untrusted network.

This means that even on an unsecured public network, your business communications remain safe.

Depending on the provider, your VPN service may have ad-blocking built in.

Practical Steps for Secure Travel

Besides a VPN, here are a few helpful tips to keep you safer this holiday season.

• Ensure all devices have the latest security updates before you travel. Unpatched devices are a goldmine for attackers.

• Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication.

• Be cautious about the information you access on public networks. If you don’t have to access it, don’t!

• Keep sensitive business activities for when you're connected through your mobile data or VPN. If you need to get some work done or access sensitive data, flip the VPN on first.

• Report any suspicious activity or potential security incidents to your IT team immediately. If something seems off, let us know. A quick check might save you money.

Making Security Seamless

Good security shouldn't impede your working style, The key is implementing the right solutions before you travel, so they become second nature rather than a hurdle.

A properly configured VPN, for instance, can connect automatically when you join an unsecured network, providing protection without requiring constant fiddling and button pushing.

At Advance Computing, we understand that modern business requires flexibility. Our approach focuses on creating security solutions that protect your organisation without getting in the way.

If you are looking to enhance your security when working remotely or just need some guidance on implementing a VPN solution, we’ll help you find the right balance. Travelling doesn’t have to mean compromising security.