If you’re organizing a Spring Break trip with friends or family, keep in mind that scammers will also be on the move. Elevated travel and people attempting to unwind (potentially with little umbrella drinks) unfortunately make easier targets for all the bad actors out there.
TekChek
Since you’ll probably be bringing along devices—like a smartphone for navigation during a road trip, a tablet for streaming shows on a plane, or a laptop for work from home, or email access in your hotel—make sure to arm yourself with cybersecurity know-how to protect them. In fact, because you’re likely to increase your online activities and device usage in less secure places while traveling, your exposure to cyber threats such as scams, malware, and ATM skimmers will also be on the rise.
With the TSA noting that the number of Spring Break travelers is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, now is an ideal time to review ways to protect your devices and personal data.
Take a moment to thoroughly research travel companies, rental properties, and tour operators—try including keywords like “scam” or “complaint” in your search to uncover any potential issues.
Exercise extra caution when using payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrencies, as they lack the safety nets offered by network-backed transactions like credit or debit cards. Venmo, Zelle, or old-school cash still gets the job done just fine.
Be cautious with free Wi-Fi networks, especially those that don’t require a password, since you might inadvertently connect to a hacker’s hotspot that could compromise your data.
Instead, confirm the correct login details with a staff member at the hotel, coffee shop, or airport. For an added layer of security, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which helps protect your privacy and encrypts your data. These networks are typically available through small subscription fees, a small price for what could potentially be a massive mistake.
Relying on the same password for all your online accounts puts you at risk if one account is breached.
Instead, create unique passwords before your trip and enable multifactor authentication—this way, accessing services like your banking app will require both your password and a one-time code sent to your device.
Knock out those safety precautions early to ensure a safe and sound trip. Hope you have the smoothest of travels, and always remember the sunscreen.
March 2025