Summer is just around the corner, and this year may be the first time some of us experience a true vacation with relaxed travel regulations. If you plan to go somewhere in the next few months, check out some ways to keep your technology safe while hitting the road.   

Password protection 

The first step to technology security is to keep things password protected. Make sure you set up security on your mobile devices, whether it is numbers, words, fingerprints, or facial recognition. Keeping a strong password allows you the ability to not stress if their phone is stolen.   

Secure WiFi 

Get a VPN for public WiFi usage. Free internet is great until someone steals information after you use public WiFi. Downloading a VPN or using a personal hotspot may be the ticket to keeping your information secure. Another great feature of using a VPN is that you can access the internet anywhere, almost like you were sitting in the comfort of your own home.  

Scott Fendley, an information security engineer, said UAB always recommends using a VPN when off-campus.

“Most public Wi-fi networks are not secure, which means others can eavesdrop on your communication,” Fendley said. “Additionally, hackers may set up a WiFi network that looks real or is an “Evil-Twin” to capture communications from unsuspecting users. One time I stayed at a hotel, which offered wireless service as HHonors, but there was a nearby wireless network called HH0N0RS with a zero in place of an ‘O.’” 

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and is used to protect your connection as well as personal information online. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address, which lets you use personal hotspots for Wi-Fi. That way when you find yourself out at the hotel or coffee shop you can be protected from “Evil-Twins” and eavesdroppers.  

“It is wise to protect yourself with a VPN while sitting at a hotel, airport, café, or restaurant. UAB’s secure VPN will encrypt the communications and in turn protect the privacy of your web browsing activity and any data that you are accessing,” Fendley said. 

Also, VPNs will allow you access to campus resources that you could not without being physically on a computer on campus. UAB offers a free VPN service. Visit the UAB IT website to learn more about using it.