Cybersecurity Tips for Your Summer Vacation

Summer is the perfect time to hit the road or take to the skies. Whether you're packing up the car for a family road trip with the kids on their school break or planning a sun-soaked getaway with friends, the warmer weather has a way of inspiring adventure. But as you make your packing list, double-check your reservations, and lock up your home on your way out the door, don’t forget to plan for cyber safety while you are away.

Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for vulnerabilities, and travelers can be prime targets. Thankfully, with a few easy security practices, you can protect your devices and sensitive information. This leaves you with peace of mind while enjoying your vacation.

Here are seven cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe while traveling this summer, plus ideas on how you can use your Vivint system to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Key takeaways:

• Be mindful of AI-generated phishing scams
• Use AI wisely in planning and travel
• Minimize the data you carry
• Set up MFA
• Back up your files

• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

• Think before you post

• Use routines in your Vivint system to keep your home safe while you’re away

1. Avoid AI-generated phishing scams

One of the most common threats travelers face is falling for suspicious links disguised as travel deals, local guides, or confirmation emails. AI has made it harder to spot.

Scammers and hackers often exploit travelers by sending AI-generated phishing scams that look like they’re from trusted sources—airlines, hotels, or even travel apps. These messages may urge you to click on a link to “confirm your booking” or “view your itinerary,” but what they’re really after is your personal data or login credentials. Clicking these links can result in a malware infection or even open the door to a data breach.

The best way to avoid these AI scams? Pause and think before you click.

How to avoid AI-generated phishing scams:

• Think before you click. If an offer or deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Double-check URLs before clicking. Look for misspellings or unfamiliar domain names.
• Avoid clicking on links from unknown senders or unexpected messages, especially those with urgent or threatening language.
• Verify the source before clicking on any links or downloading attachments. This can look like double checking the email address that sent you a message, or making sure the phone number that texted you is affiliated with the company it claims.
• Use a password manager to autofill login credentials. If a phishing site tries to imitate a real one, your password manager won’t recognize the page, letting you know something is wrong.
• Go directly to official websites instead of clicking on links from emails or texts from unknown contacts.

2. Use AI wisely

AI can be a helpful tool for trip planning—it can generate itineraries, suggest restaurants, and help you learn about your travel destination. Although it can be useful, it’s crucial to never share personal information with chatbots or image tools.

Don’t tell AI chatbots or image tools important details about your travels like exact dates you will be gone or where your travel accommodations are located. This will help keep your personal information safe while you are away from home.

3. Minimize the data you carry

Only bring the devices, apps, documentation, and sensitive information you actually need on a trip with you. The less important data you carry, the less you risk losing if something goes wrong. This may look like:

• Leave your laptop at home. If you won’t need to work on your trip, leave your laptop at home. It likely contains years of personal files, saved passwords, tax documents, or work data. Instead, travel with just your phone if you can.
• Temporarily delete data. Delete copies of IDs, insurance cards, or financial documents that you have stored on your phone and will not need on your trip. Instead, keep them in a secure cloud vault.
• Log out of apps and accounts. Log out of or uninstall banking apps you won’t need while traveling, or limit which accounts you are actively signed in to. For example, if you have apps you use for work, log out before your trip and sign back on when you are home.

4. Set up MFA

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) goes beyond just requiring a password. In order to log in, users must provide at least two points of verification, like:

• Password entered into an app or website
• Push notification in an app
• Biometric confirmation in an app
• Code delivered via text or email

Even if someone gets your password, MFA adds an extra layer of protection that keeps them from getting in.

5. Back up your files

Travel is all about making memories, and taking a few moments to make sure your online files are safe can keep those memories safe. Whether it’s a misplaced phone, a stolen laptop, or a compromised public Wi-Fi network, the last thing you want is to lose important files or irreplaceable photos.

Before heading out on your vacation, take some time to back up important data such as photos, documents, and other files. Use cloud storage services or an external hard drive to create copies.

By backing up your files, you’re safeguarding the memories, work, and documents that matter most to you. If the unexpected happens, you’ll be ready to bounce back without missing a beat.

6. Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and cafes is often unsecured. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet usage, making it harder for attackers to intercept your data.

To stay safe, avoid transmitting sensitive information or making purchases on unsecure or public Wi-Fi networks. Instead, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, or tether your laptop to your phone's mobile data as a personal hotspot when you can.

7. Think before you post

Though it’s tempting to keep followers updated about your trip in real time, oversharing on social media can alert anonymous followers and cybercriminals that you're away from home. This makes your property an easy target because viewers know that your home is empty while you are away. Post photos and updates after you return home.

Vivint security for whole-home protection

Your home shouldn't be a source of stress while you're away. With a smarter home from Vivint, you can relax knowing your property is protected around the clock.

Here’s how Vivint helps you stay secure—even when you’re not there:

• Deter mode: Vivint’s Smart Deter technology uses bright light and loud sound to stop trouble before it starts. If someone approaches your home, the system responds to let them know they’ve been seen—and that it’s time to move on.
• Smart security cameras: Keep an eye on your home from anywhere with the Vivint app. You can even check in on deliveries, pets, or just confirm everything’s as it should be.

• Guest access: If you’ve given a house sitter or neighbor temporary smart lock access, don’t forget to remove their permissions once you're back. This is easy to do from the Vivint app.

Let Vivint protect your home

By following these summer travel cybersecurity tips, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing that your personal data and devices are protected. And with a Vivint system watching over your home, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your time away.

To learn more about Vivint and get your own smart home system today, contact us at 844.325.9104.