How can you protect a mobile device while traveling? If that question has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. With so many threats to our personal information nowadays, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Put simply, the best way to protect a mobile device while traveling is to combine physical protection (like a sturdy case and screen protector) with smart data safety habits. This will ensure you keep both your device and your personal information secure.
These days your phone is your everyday multi-tool. More than just for making calls, it’s a camera, a GPS, a translator, a wallet, and a keeper of memories and important information—it’s everything. This is why it’s crucial to protect your mobile device while travelling.
Here are 5 smart and effective ways to keep your phone safe always, and especially while on the move.
1. Use a durable case and screen protector
The first line of prevention against disaster with our phone is a solid, quality phone case and a screen protector. If you’re attempting to juggle luggage, coffee, and your phone then an accidental drop is bound to happen.
Check out a shock-absorbing case by Otterbox or Spigen to help your phone survive a hit to airport tiles or cobblestone streets of your destination. Likewise, with a tempered glass screen protector, you can avoid costly cracks that require a full screen replacement.
2. Invest in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag
While technology is a blessing, it can also be a curse. Scammers nowadays can use RFID technology to skim your personal information, such as your credit cards, ID cards and more. Scarily enough, this can even be done from several feet away, meaning your personal information could be skimmed without you even knowing.
If you take advantage of the wallet features of your phone for storing important information like credit cards or plane tickets, that’s a lot of sensitive details in one place that can be stolen and used against you.
Investing in an RFID-blocking wallet or bag is well worth it, as it can serve as your main defensive line against electronic pickpocketing. Don’t let thieves skim your card (without even touching you) while you’re en route and ready to enjoy your vacation!
3. Carry your phone securely
Professional pickpockets are known to target your visible and easy to grab items. A phone sticking out of your back pocket is a tempting score in high-traffic areas.
Consider a crossbody bag or even a lanyard strap to keep your device close to your body and more secure. If you can find a bag with a lockable zipper, that’s even better for big cities and urban areas with a reputation for attracting pickpockets.
The goal is to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to snatch something before you notice its missing.
4. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Even though you’re trying to kick back and relax, you’ll likely still want to stay connected. Just consider that public Wi-Fi in airports or cafes might be as tempting to hackers as it is to you. If you can’t resist connecting, try out a VPN to encrypt your data and keep your online activity private.
Another option is to skip the Wi-Fi and opt for an eSIM instead. With an eSIM for data, you can connect securely to a local network to check your email, post on social media, or stream a movie while you wait for your next flight—all while avoiding the risks that come with using public Wi-Fi.
5. Install tracking apps and backup options
While losing your phone abroad is pretty close to the worst-case scenario, there are a few apps that can help you track down and recover your lost device.
Toggle on tracking features like “Find My Phone” before you leave to be prepared. If you do encounter the unfortunate situation of having to track down your phone, you’ll be able to at least determine its last known location as well as remotely lock it or erase it.
To better protect your mobile device while travelling, be sure to also back up your data to the cloud so that your important photos, memories, and other information is recoverable, even if your phone isn’t.
