Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses. As a travel manager, advising your business travelers on cybersecurity is a crucial part of risk management. Cyber attacks can lead to financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
Why cybersecurity matters in business travel
Unfortunately, one of the growing threats to businesses is the risk to cybersecurity. And examples of these types of breaches are never far from the news. Microsoft estimated that its customers faced 600 million cyber attacks per day globally last year.
Protecting clients’ personal data and information must be a priority for all businesses. And, with business travel spending worldwide projected to reach an all-time high of $1.57 trillion by the end of 2025, more travelers will be venturing outside their secure office computer systems. This means they may become more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
It’s crucial that business travelers understand the risks and the implications for their organization if there is a breach in cybersecurity.
Top 16 cybersecurity tips for business travelers
Traveling makes you, your data, and your devices more vulnerable to cyber attacks and data loss. Here are some ways you can minimize these risks for your travelers and your organization.
- Lock your devices. Use passwords, PINs, fingerprint matching, or facial recognition to protect them.
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for your work and personal accounts. And only accept an MFA challenge if you initiated it yourself.
- Use strong, unique passwords. At least 12 characters with numbers, symbols, and mixed-case letters.
- Use a password manager. Securely store and manage your credentials.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and unknown Bluetooth devices. Use your company’s VPN to secure your connection.
- Limit location sharing on social media. Prevent phishing and social engineering attacks.
- Avoid public USB charging ports. Carry a portable battery instead.
- Watch out for shoulder surfing. Use privacy screens and avoid discussing sensitive information in public.
- Keep software updated. Install updates before traveling to avoid large downloads on the go.
- Run updated antivirus software. Protect against malware from compromised networks and emails.
- Secure devices in hotel safes. Rooms may be open for long periods of time during cleaning.
- Enable “Find my device” or similar services. Remotely block or wipe lost or stolen devices.
- Don’t post travel documents online. Boarding passes and itineraries contain personal data.
- Use secure travel apps. Our mobile app and digital boarding passes offer added protection.
- Apply for visas via trusted sources. Contact your TMC for safe e-visa application sites.
- Report device issues immediately. IT teams can contain threats before they spread.
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