Nowadays, everybody uses the internet daily – it might be safe to say that we cannot live without it. However, we all know there’s a price to pay if you want to use the internet while abroad. For instance, your phone service provider could ask for hefty sums in exchange for cellular data in another country. In the worst-case scenario, people could accidentally allow data roaming when abroad, which can quickly stack up huge bills.
So, many people have had difficulties with their internet connections while traveling abroad, and they’ve had to turn on their mobile data and pay the price for it. Others, on the other hand, had difficulties while connected to a Wi-Fi network.
Connecting your smartphone to a Wi-Fi network might be best, but you must know that this connection is probably unsafe. Whether you want to connect your phone to a public, or private Wi-Fi, we will present some tips you can use to make your internet connection safe while abroad.
Avoid public networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are often overcrowded, making your internet connection slow. Additionally, you may expose your data to cyber-attacks if you are connected to such a network. These networks usually don’t have any protection, making your information easier to steal.
Although these networks are everywhere, and almost all cities have free, public Wi-Fi, it might be best not to connect to one. You should wait for encrypted Wi-Fi.
However, if you have already connected your smartphone to public Wi-Fi, make sure not to visit any delicate sites. These sites include all sensitive activity that may expose your data, such as bank accounts or other financial apps.
Use a VPN
Public or hotel Wi-Fi might seem worthwhile to avoid the need for data roaming abroad. So, if you are considering going on a holiday, you should consider a Virtual Private Network application. Initiate a VPN download before your trip, as you might want to perform as few activities as possible on the unsafe Wi-Fi network. After all, VPNs are one of the best ways to keep your data safe while surfing the internet, especially in another country.
This software is designed to keep your IP address and information hidden from others. VPNs are the best solution if you are traveling abroad.
Mobile data
Your mobile data may be the safest option when you travel abroad. You won’t have to worry about your Wi-Fi connection exposing your information because mobile data offers more protection than Wi-Fi networks.
However, if you don’t want to come home to a large phone bill, you might want to consider buying a SIM card in the country you are visiting. There are many options to choose from, and these SIM cards are a good source of internet connection while you are on vacation.
The SIM cards are not expensive and will provide you with enough internet during your stay. However, if you run out of internet, you can always buy some more. This way, your internet connection will be safe, and you won’t have to pay too much when you get home. On the other hand, consider all factors regarding local SIM cards vs. international plans.
Two-factor authentication
It is always safe to be with data and if needed add another layer of security to your smartphone device, consider two-factor authentication. This tool implies using another password or a code for all your accounts/apps.
You can also use two-factor authentication for your lock screen alongside the accounts. It will make your phone more difficult to hack into. Bank accounts may be the most important thing to keep safe, so add two-factor authentication.
Your smartphone, and all the information you have on it, will be more secure. Furthermore, do not forget to enable find my phone features so you can find them if you lose them.
Change your passwords
Changing your passwords regularly might seem like a lot of work, but trust us, it will protect your smartphone while you are abroad. This method works because if you change your passwords often, your data will become less accessible.
Doing this often (it doesn’t have to be every day) will add another layer of protection to your device, which is never a bad thing. However, you need to make sure to memorize all your passwords.
Our advice is to write them down somewhere and always carry that piece of paper with you – you can write it on your phone, but the low-tech approach is pretty much hack-proof.
Conclusion
Connecting your smartphone to the internet may sometimes be risky and lead to much trouble. The next time you travel, be sure to add protection to your smartphone before connecting it to the internet.
We have presented some ways to keep your smartphone device safe while abroad. Whether it’s a VPN, a local SIM card, or anything else we have covered, staying safe doesn’t take much effort. Additionally, keeping your smartphone secure means keeping all your data away from cybercriminals. You need to ensure that your information is locked behind a strong password while in another country.
You also don’t want to pay a massive bill for using mobile data, so avoid turning on your data while you are away.
