holiday travel

Holiday travel should be about family, not cybersecurity nightmares. But when you’re juggling work and vacation, the risk of a data breach skyrockets. From hotel WiFi traps to lost devices, here’s how Vancouver business owners can stay secure while traveling this season.

 

 Before You Leave: 15-Minute Prep Checklist

  • Install all security updates
  • Back up important files to the cloud
  • Enable automatic screen locking
  • Activate “Find My Device”
  • Pack your own charging cables and adapters
  • Charge your portable power bank

Family tip: Bring a dedicated tablet for kids. It’s cheaper than a data breach.

 Hotel WiFi: The Hidden Risk

Hotel networks are shared—and often exploited. Fake WiFi networks can capture passwords, credit card numbers, and emails.

Stay safe:

  • Verify the network name with the front desk
  • Use a VPN for work tasks
  • Use your phone’s hotspot for sensitive activities
  • Keep work and play separate

 The “Can I Use Your Laptop?” Problem

Your work laptop holds client files, financial data, and access to business systems. Kids downloading games or clicking pop-ups? That’s a security risk.

Solution:

  • Don’t share work devices
  • If you must, create a separate user account with restricted permissions
  • Supervise usage and clear browsing history

 Streaming on Hotel TVs

Logging into Netflix on hotel TVs? Don’t forget to log out, or better yet, download shows to your own device.

Never log into:

  • Banking apps
  • Work accounts
  • Email
  • Social media

 Lost Device Protocol

If a device goes missing:

  1. Use “Find My Device”
  2. Lock it remotely
  3. Change passwords
  4. Contact your IT provider
  5. Notify affected parties if sensitive data was stored

 Rental Car Data Trap

Cars store contacts and call history. Before returning:

  • Delete your phone from Bluetooth settings
  • Clear GPS destinations

 Working Vacation Boundaries

Set limits:

  • Check email twice daily
  • Use your hotspot for work
  • Avoid public spaces for work tasks

 Make This Holiday Memorable for the Right Reasons

A little preparation goes a long way. Protect your business without ruining your vacation.

👉 Schedule your FREE security consultation and we’ll help you create practical travel security policies for your team.

Because the best holiday memory shouldn’t be “Remember when Dad’s laptop got hacked?”