Keep Hackers Off Your Vacation Plans

Your bags are packed, the kids are excited, and your out-of-office is on—but is your digital life ready for takeoff?

Summer is the perfect time to disconnect and explore. But while you're planning to unplug, cybercriminals are doing the opposite. They know people let their guard down when traveling, and that’s exactly when your personal and business data is most vulnerable.

At PCS, we believe your summer memories should be filled with laughter, not IT disasters. Here’s how to enjoy your vacation—without taking cyber risks along for the ride.

Summer Fun, Cyber Threats on the Run

When you're in vacation mode, cybersecurity often takes a backseat—and that’s when problems strike. Whether it's logging into hotel Wi-Fi, checking your email at the airport, or posting your location on social media, you might be leaving digital breadcrumbs hackers can follow.

Common travel tech risks:

• Public Wi-Fi snooping
• Device theft or loss
• Unencrypted data transmission
• Suspicious charging stations
• Oversharing travel plans online

Sound familiar? It’s time to flip the script.

PCS Helps You Travel Smarter and Safer

At PCS, we help businesses stay secure year-round—and that includes when your team is halfway around the world. Whether you’re the CEO on a business trip or just a parent checking email by the pool, we’ve got your back with clear, simple guidance.

Our advice isn’t just for tech pros—it’s for anyone carrying a phone, tablet, or laptop this summer (which, let’s be honest, is everyone).

Pack the Essentials: Your Cyber Safe Summer Checklist

Think of this as your digital sunscreen—apply generously.

1. Use a VPN—Always
   Public Wi-Fi is convenient and risky. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your connection so hackers can’t intercept your data, even on unsecured networks.
2. Lock Down Your Devices
   Set strong passcodes or biometric locks on all devices. Turn on “Find My Device” features in case anything is lost or stolen.
3. Avoid Public Charging Stations
   Those USB ports at airports or malls? They could be “juice jacking” your data. Bring your own portable charger or use a wall plug.
4. Turn Off Auto-Connect
   Stop your phone from automatically joining unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. Go to your settings and toggle off auto-connect to prevent unintended connections.
5. Share After You Return
   Tempting as it is to post beach pics in real time, wait until you’re home. Publicly sharing your location can make your home a target.
6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   Even if someone gets your login, MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Use it on email, cloud storage, banking apps—everything.
7. Update Before You Go
   Don’t ignore those update reminders. Patching software vulnerabilities before traveling is one of the easiest ways to keep your devices secure.

Safe Travels in 3 Simple Steps

You don’t need a degree in cybersecurity to stay safe while traveling. Just follow our PCS-approved 3-step plan:

1. Prepare: Update your devices, secure passwords, and install a trusted VPN.
2. Protect: Avoid risky behaviors like public Wi-Fi, oversharing, or unknown USB chargers.
3. Pause: Think before you click, share, or connect. A few seconds of caution can prevent weeks of cleanup.

Memories Made, Data Protected

When you take cybersecurity seriously, you enjoy peace of mind, not post-vacation panic. Your photos stay private. Your emails stay yours. And your vacation stays a vacation, not a data breach recovery mission.

PCS is your guide to smarter, safer tech habits—whether you're in the office or off the grid.