By Joan Mbugua
Traveling can be quite an exhilarating and exciting experience. With convenience at your fingertips, such as internet/mobile banking and debit cards, it is easier to travel these days.
It is no longer necessary to visit a bank or forex exchange bureau before travelling, but with this convenience also comes an exposure to cybercrime. Criminals can easily access your money within minutes right under your nose. However, there are methods to protect your money such as:
- Inform your Bank before you travel
This will ensure that your card is accessible in the region you are travelling to and avoid uncomfortable situations such as a frozen card or a thin supply of cash. Additionally, you could choose to use cash by withdrawing from an ATM to minimize your use of the card.
2. Secure your devices and data with a strongpassword
Your phone or laptop may be stolen or misplaced during travel. This makes your online banking information and accounts vulnerable. To protect your money or personal data, you must ensure you have added a layer of security by setting up a password for all your devices with special characters and numbers and have second level authentication for your online banking. Make sure to protect your password by storing it in a safe inaccessible location.
4. Avoid accessing your online banking using public wi-fi
Public wi-fi is convenient but the consequences could be steep.You could lose all your financial information to cybercriminals who will gain access to your accounts, credit card numbers and login credentials. When traveling, avoid connecting to public wi-fi when accessing your online banking account to protect your information.
However, in the event of an emergency, you may need to access public wifi. Here are tips to help you stay safe:
- Before you use your device, clear your cache and cookies. Follow the same procedure after use as well.
- Do not set your device to remember your password or username.
- While browsing, use ‘incognito’ or private browsing tab, if possible.
- If possible use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
5. Turn off your wi-fi
Even when not using your internet banking or shopping online, an active Wi-Fi connection can still leave your personal information vulnerable to cybercriminals.For added measure, when not in use, turn off the signal on your devices. Additionally, turn off your bluetooth and for mobile hotspots, disconnect any tethered devices to your laptop.
6. Limit your use of shared devices
If you plan on using shared devices such as computers in a cyber cafe or a hotel business center to shop or access your online banking, consider your options. It poses a great risk to your personal information, online banking and credit card details and could lead to identity theft.
7. Check your bank statements regularly
Make a point of accessing your bank statements and check for any suspicious transactions or activity. To best ensure security for finances while traveling, this discipline will enable you to block any loss of funds to cybercriminals or any further losses incase your account has been compromised.
In case of any suspicious activity, get in touch with your Bank immediately to block your account or card. Our ABC Mastercard has contacts behind the card and our customer service team can be reached 24/7. Get in touch with us via +254 20 4440033 for any card queries.