NEED TO KNOW NEWSLETTER - JULY 2025

Summertime Cyber-Safety Tips

Don't let the summer heat make you forget to be cyber-safe!

Summer is a time full of fun and vacations! It’s also a busy time for cyber-criminals who want to steal your information. Before you leave for vacation, let’s talk about a few things you can do to keep yourself cyber-safe.

Here are some great summertime travel tips:

Avoid free Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi seems convenient, especially when you’re on the road. Unfortunately, free WiFi is not secure and exposes your personal information to hackers.

Confirm the network. If you must use free Wi-Fi, confirm the name and log-in procedure with the staff of the business that provides it. 

Use a VPN. When connecting to any network, it's smart to use a VPN. A VPN creates a secure connection so you can safely browse.

Disable auto-connect on your devices. Be sure the setting to auto-connect to networks and Bluetooth devices is turned off. Connect manually as needed instead.

Keep track of your devices. Always be careful about where you put your phones, laptops, and USB drives. Never leave them unattended in public places!

Don't use shared computers. Sometimes hotels and conference rooms have a shared computer setup. You never now if they have the latest security updates or are safe to use.

How to secure your workspace before your vacation:

Make sure your desk is clean:  Lock up all the important papers in a cabinet or office. Make sure to shred or properly dispose of any paperwork that you no longer need. 

Back up those files. Your organization most likely has a backup policy in place. Be sure you understand what will be backed up and what won't. Try not to store items on your computer that aren't work related.

Make sure you are up to date with any security awareness training. It happens to everyone: we get busy and put security awareness training on the back burner. But before you leave, make sure you are up to date and take any training that has been assigned to you. 

Cyberattacks in the summer

Things to be aware of during the summer months. 

• Increased travel and Remote Access: People travel more during the summertime, often using public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels and cafes, which are less secure.

• • Talk to your organization about safe plans for communicating while traveling. 
  • Always connect through a VPN or your personal MiFi or hotspots and log out from all applications and browsers after each use.

• Internet of Things (IoT) and Smart Device Usage: Increased use of smart devices for vacation homes, pools, or travel (like smart locks and thermostats). Security remains one of the biggest issues with IoT devices.

• • Think of all the data collected and transmitted by smart devices in your home and office. From voice commands to your current location. Hackers can take over insecure devices and peek inside your home via connected webcams, unlock your front door, or control your smart car remotely.  
  • IoT devices are part of your network, so a compromised smart thermostat may serve as a jumping off point for hackers to access other connected devices and steal your most valuable information.