If you are traveling for Thanksgiving or the upcoming holidays, be sure to keep a close eye on your identity. A press release today warns travelers about the added risks of using a hotel’s WiFi network. According to the article, using shared internet hotspots at airports and hotels can increase your risk for a hacker accessing your computer or PDA. If you do use public WiFi:
- Install a firewall system on your computer to guard against virtual intruders
- Don’t keep sensitive records or files on your computer
- Don’t access sensitive accounts online such as banks and investments when you are on a shared network
- Disable file sharing and peer-to-peer features on your computer
You can also guard against identity theft while traveling for the holidays by leaving unnecessary credit cards and personal documents at home in a safe place. You should also leave a photocopies of your wallet’s contents and account information with a trusted person back at home. If your wallet is stolen or you encounter identity theft, these documents can help you report the crime quickly.
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