Mickey and I have learned a thing or two about keeping mobile payments secure over the past 20 years of traveling together.
Back in the first decade of our travels, mobile payment security was all about hiding your credit card PIN from prying eyes when paying at local shops in Bangkok or Sydney. Security wasn’t a big part of traveling for us back then, other than hiding your PIN, keeping your passwords safe, and using a secure Wi-Fi network.
Things have definitely changed over the past few years, with mobile payments appearing everywhere from farmers markets to regular retail stores, and payment services becoming more widespread. peer-to-peer mobile payments Like Venmo. In the age of digital wallets and contactless payments, the convenience of mobile payments has become an essential part of travel.
Unfortunately, hackers and criminals have also become very adept at stealing information and skimming mobile payments. It seems like every time I talk to friends who have traveled abroad, I hear stories of credit cards being compromised, cell phones being lost, and personal information being stolen.
All of this means that travelers like us need to be increasingly cautious when making mobile payments, whether we’re on vacation, on a road trip, or on a year-long trip around the world. That means there is.
What you need to know about mobile payment security while traveling
As a savvy traveler, understanding the nuances of mobile payment security is critical. From strong passwords to Wi-Fi safety tips, take a closer look at the top tips and tricks we use to keep our transactions safe while traveling the world.
What are the risks of mobile payments?
Mobile payments are convenient, but they can expose you to security risks such as data breaches, fraudulent transactions, and identity theft.
How to reduce risk
There are four main ways to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Read on to learn more about 1) using Wi-Fi securely, 2) securing your mobile transactions, 3) securing your device, and 4) what to do if your device is lost or stolen.
In addition to these four, prepare a backup payment method It’s a good idea to do one or two, as well as stay on top of cybersecurity risks when you’re on the go.
Use these best practices when using public Wi-Fi
Travel often requires connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are prime locations for cybercriminals. These networks are often insecure and susceptible to prying eyes, meaning payment information and other data passing through them can be intercepted by hackers.
Here are some tips to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for trading: If possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. Use mobile data instead if possible, as it’s usually more secure. Another option is to use a private Wi-Fi device.
- Use a VPN: If you need to use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for hackers to intercept your data.I go together VPN Helps ensure all online transactions are secure.
- Turn off automatic connection: Disable the ability to automatically connect your device to available Wi-Fi networks. This is likely because this is an easy trick for hackers to clone known network names and skim data when a device automatically connects to the network (without even opening the phone). It is best to only allow automatic connections to private home networks with low security. To be forged.
Mobile device protection
Here’s how to protect your device while you’re on the go.
- Use strong passwords and biometrics: Start with the basics. Make sure your device is locked with a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Physically securing your device is your first line of defense against unauthorized access.
- Keep your device up to date: Update your device’s operating system and apps regularly. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities. It may be a hassle to do it every other month, but it’s a small price to pay for added safety. Additionally, when was the last time you restarted your device? Perhaps it’s necessary anyway.
- Install trusted security apps: In case your device gets lost or stolen, consider installing a trusted security app that offers features like virus scanning, remote wipe, and location tracking. Some phones already have this built in and you just need to enable it.
How to secure mobile transactions
There are many things you can do to keep your identity and wallet safe when making mobile transactions. Let’s start here.
- Use a trusted payment app: Use well-known payment apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or the one provided by your bank. These apps have strong security measures in place to protect your transactions and tie in with already secure devices.
- Enable two-factor authentication: If possible, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for payment apps. 2FA adds a layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as text message or email confirmation. So even if someone were able to steal your password, it would be useless without an additional layer.
- Hint! If you plan to be outside of your cell phone plan’s area, make sure the extra layer isn’t just his SMS texts, as you likely won’t be able to receive texts outside of your coverage area.
- monitor your account: Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for fraudulent transactions, especially while traveling. But don’t do it over a public Wi-Fi network.
Deal with lost or stolen devices
Losing or stealing your cell phone can be one of the biggest financial risks you face while on vacation. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk:
- Set up the ability to remotely wipe a device: Prepare for the worst. Learn how to remotely lock and wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen. Both Android and iOS offer this feature, and if someone breaks into your device, it will immediately become unusable. It also means that you can’t make a profit by selling the device, since it can’t be easily erased. If everyone did it, people would be discouraged from even trying it in the first place.
- Please contact your bank immediately: If your device is lost or stolen, contact your bank or digital wallet service provider immediately to prevent unauthorized transactions. It’s best to contact your bank first, but it’s also not a bad idea to remove any cards connected to your digital wallet to be double safe.
Travel smarter with backup payment methods
Mobile payments are convenient, but always have a backup. We always carry a small amount of local currency and an emergency credit card, kept separate from our mobile devices. This ensures we won’t be left stranded if your device is lost or stolen, or if you experience technical issues with your mobile payment app.
We always travel with a small amount of emergency money (both local currency and US dollars) for this very reason. We lost credit cards and in some towns saw the entire ATM infrastructure go down every other day.
Make sure you are well-prepared so you can get a taxi to your destination, a quick meal, and even a place to sleep overnight if you are traveling from one place to another. Don’t carry too much, as carrying too much can only pose a safety risk.
Stay informed
Stay up to date with the latest security threats and updates in the world of mobile payments. To do this, follow our technical blogs. national security center, subscribe to newsletters from your bank or payment service provider, and participate in online forums dedicated to digital security. As the old saying goes, the more you know…
A final word on mobile payment security while traveling
Mobile payments have made traveling easier these days, but it’s essential to always be vigilant about security.
By following most of these mobile security tips, you can enjoy the convenience of mobile payments without compromising your financial security.
Remember, the key to making mobile payments safely while traveling is to be prepared, informed, and aware of the potential risks. Have a safe trip and have fun!