Stay connected and safe: Tips for the digital world before your vacation

Planning a trip abroad? Just before taking off, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is how you will stay connected to the digital world. So how will you stay updated and at the same time protect your personal accounts from cyber attackers? Sharon Kasper, the director of cyber awareness at Bank Hapoalim gives us some tips so that we can go out calm More for vacation abroad.

What is two-step verification and how can it help us keep our accounts safe?

Two-step verification is a process in which the user is required to prove his identity in two different methods, in order to gain access to the account or service, the identification information for the account and a verification code that is usually sent by SMS message. This is a free service that provides additional protection for your personal accounts, so that if a malicious party obtained your user code and password, he will not be able to access your account until he has the verification code sent to your phone number. When trying to log into your account from a new device, from which you have not logged in before, an SMS verification code will be sent to the phone number updated in your account to verify your identity. 

It is important to note that if you purchase a SIM card abroad, you will not be able to receive the SMS verification code sent to your number in Israel. If you intend to purchase a local SIM card, it is very important to activate two-step verification also using a password generator application such as Google Authenticator. This way you will receive Verification code independent of your Israeli SIM card. 

How can we prevent data loss and what are the risks involved in using Wi-Fi networks during the trip?

Before the trip, it is important to back up the important information from the computer and the mobile phone device, in order to prevent information loss in the event of a malfunction. The information can be backed up to the cloud or to an external storage device. It is also recommended to change the automatic update settings of the devices to save on the surfing package abroad. When traveling, it is advisable to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while performing sensitive operations such as logging into bank accounts. To perform these operations, it is recommended to use a cellular surfing package or a wireless network Recognized and secure.

How will we keep our devices safe even from financial scams abroad?

It is important to maintain high vigilance against impersonating messages and avoid clicking on the links that appear in them. Be sure to enter the desired sites independently by searching them on Google or through the application. At the same time, it is recommended to carry out sensitive operations on the Internet through secure Wi-Fi networks or through a mobile browsing package, as mentioned. Prefer payments through intermediaries such as a prepaid card or PayPal to avoid revealing your credit card information. It's worth using VPN services to improve security, but remember that these usually involve a fee. And most importantly - do not give your devices to strangers, even for short use.

What are the risks involved in charging a smartphone in a public USB connection and what are the ways to minimize them?

Connecting mobile devices to charge with random USB connections may lead to the theft of information from your mobile device. It is advisable to equip yourself in advance with a charger that connects to an electrical outlet that is suitable for the electrical connection in the destination country. You can also equip yourself with a small and cheap component called Data Blocker, which allows charging mobile devices with USB connections without fear of data theft. To minimize the chance of information being stolen from our devices, it is important to make sure that the operating system, applications and anti-virus software are installed and updated on our devices. Out-of-date versions are more vulnerable to known vulnerabilities that are exploited by malicious actors.