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Cybercriminals know people are booking trips, using public Wi-Fi, and posting vacation photos. Common travel-related threats include:
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Fake Booking Websites Fraudulent travel sites and fake vacation rentals can steal your payment information or leave you without a reservation.
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Travel Phishing Scams Fake emails or text messages claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or booking services may ask you to "confirm" your reservation or payment.
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Public Wi-Fi Attacks Unsecured Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and restaurants can allow attackers to intercept your data.
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Lost or Stolen Devices Phones and laptops are prime targets while traveling, and they often contain access to email, bank accounts, passwords, and personal photos.
Before heading out, spend a few minutes protecting your digital life.
Secure Your Devices
- Update your devices with the latest security patches and antivirus software.
- Turn on automatic updates.
- Back up important photos, contacts, and documents to a secure cloud service or external drive.
Notify Your Financial Institutions
- Let your bank and credit card companies know where you'll be traveling.
- Enable transaction alerts to quickly spot unauthorized purchases.
Think Before You Post
- Avoid announcing your vacation before or during your trip.
- Consider waiting until you return home to share photos publicly.
- Review your social media privacy settings so only trusted friends can see your posts.
A few smart habits can help keep your information secure while you're traveling.
Use Hotel Wi-Fi Carefully
- Avoid accessing banking or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
- Confirm the official Wi-Fi network name with hotel staff before connecting.
- Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connection settings when not in use.
Watch for ATM Skimmers
Before inserting your card:
- Check for loose or unusual card readers.
- Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Whenever possible, use ATMs located inside banks rather than standalone machines.
Know What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost
If your phone is lost or stolen:
- Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device to locate it.
- Lock the device remotely.
- If recovery isn't possible, erase the device remotely to protect your personal information.
- Change passwords for your primary email and financial accounts as soon as possible.
Looking for a great summer adventure close to home?
Marin County Parks offers hundreds of miles of scenic trails, beaches, open spaces, and family-friendly destinations that let you enjoy the outdoors without the challenges of long-distance travel.
Whether you're hiking, biking, picnicking, or exploring nature, planning local adventures can help reduce travel-related stress while supporting our community.
To discover parks, trails, and recreational opportunities throughout Marin County, visit Parks.MarinCounty.gov
Wherever your summer takes you, keeping your devices secure and your personal information protected helps ensure your vacation is memorable for all the right reasons.
Before your next trip, take five minutes to:
- Enable Find My Device (or Find My iPhone)
- Verify that Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is enabled on your email account
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Back up your phone
These three simple steps can make recovering from a lost or stolen device much easier.
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