Traveling Abroad? Essential Digital Safety Tips for Your Well-Being
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- November 24, 2025
When we travel abroad, we invariably bring our digital devices with us. This can introduce new kinds of digital risk. For maximum peace of mind, you’ll want to take steps to reduce this risk. You wouldn’t walk through a crowded subway station with your wallet and passport poking out of your back pocket, so why do it with your tech? It’s worth taking the same vigilant approach to your devices and your data.
Prepare Your Devices Before You Leave
If your devices aren’t up to date, then the software might have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a hacker. Fortunately, modern phones come with regular update schedules to help ensure that this doesn’t happen.
Before you set off on your travels, you’ll want to not only review your security settings but also consider special features like locks, whole-device encryption, and remote tracking. Set up services like Apple’s Find My Device so you can easily locate your device in the unfortunate event it goes missing.
The Hidden Dangers of Public WiFi
Public WiFi is arguably an overblown concern. If you’re connecting via a secure app, or through a web browser with HTTPS enabled, then the data you send and receive will be encrypted. But it’s worth, nevertheless, to be wary of rogue hotspots and man-in-the-middle attacks.
According to a recent survey, around 41% of Americans have had their data compromised as a result of connecting to public WiFi. This is largely because a large number of us still aren’t using a VPN. You should be able to easily download a good VPN for iPhone and all other devices.
Identity Theft and Its Impact on Mental Well-Being
When your identity is stolen, the effects aren’t just immediate and financial. The experience can play on your mind for years afterwards, and lead to feelings of anxiety. It’s not nice to contemplate the fact that a stranger has been poring over the intimate details of your life.
Thus, taking the right precautions isn’t just a way of saving money – it can be a vital means of safeguarding your mental health in the years to come.
Practical Tools for Safer Browsing
We’ve already mentioned the power of a good VPN. But there are other ways to safeguard your data when you’re traveling. Use a biometric login on all of your devices, and make sure that you can wipe a phone when it gets swiped. A password manager that’s protected by multi-factor authentication is also essential.
You might also seek to physically protect your phone and other devices in the same way that you would any other object. A good phone case can be a wise investment, especially if you’re prone to dropping your phone!
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
