Holiday Travel? How Business Professionals Can Protect Their Devices

The holidays bring joy, rest, and time with loved ones—but for business professionals, travel often means bringing work along, too. Laptops, smartphones, and tablets make it easy to stay productive on the go, yet they also create opportunities for cybercriminals.

Whether you’re flying across the country or driving a few hours to visit family, here are 10 essential tips to keep your devices—and your data—secure during holiday travel.

1. Update Before You Go

Before you pack your bags, make sure your devices are running the latest software, apps, and security patches. These updates often contain critical fixes that protect against known vulnerabilities. Skipping them leaves a door open for attackers.

2. Strengthen Passwords & Use MFA

Strong, unique passwords are your first line of defense. Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols—or better yet, use a password manager to keep track of them. Wherever possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an added layer of security.

3. Encrypt Sensitive Files

Traveling with confidential work documents? Encrypt them. Encryption ensures that even if your laptop or phone falls into the wrong hands, the files remain unreadable without the proper key.

4. Think Twice About Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and coffee shops may be convenient—but it’s also a hacker’s playground. If you must connect, avoid accessing sensitive accounts and always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to shield your browsing.

5. Install and Update Security Software

Make sure your devices have reputable antivirus and anti-malware protection. These tools detect suspicious activity and block threats before they cause damage. Don’t forget to update them before you travel.

6. Turn Off Bluetooth & NFC When Not in Use

Leaving Bluetooth or NFC on while traveling is like leaving your front door unlocked. Disable them when you don’t need them to prevent invisible “drive-by” attacks from nearby hackers.

7. Back Up Before You Leave

Accidents happen. Devices can be lost, stolen, or damaged in transit. Back up your files to a secure cloud account or encrypted external drive so your data isn’t gone forever if your device is compromised.

8. Enable Device Tracking & Remote Wipe

Most modern devices come with tracking features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device. Enable them before you travel. These allow you to locate, lock, or even wipe your device if it disappears—giving you peace of mind.

9. Stay Alert to Phishing Attacks

Holiday-themed phishing emails and fake shipping notifications spike during this season. Be cautious of emails, texts, or links that seem suspicious, even if they appear to come from companies you trust. When in doubt, go directly to the source.

10. Carry a Privacy Screen

Physical security is just as important as digital. A privacy screen for your laptop or tablet prevents “shoulder surfing” in crowded airports or trains, keeping your sensitive work out of sight from curious onlookers.

🎄 Stay Secure, Stay Productive

The holidays should be about relaxation, not security headaches. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy time with family and friends while still staying on top of work—without leaving your data at risk.

At Coulson Technologies, we’re here to help professionals and businesses protect their digital lives, whether at home, in the office, or on the road.

Safe travels, and happy holidays!