Personal cyber security - a digital part of duty of care

Password management

Keeping laptops, smartphones and tablets locked when not in use is of the highest importance. Most of these devices have security settings that keep them locked with fingerprint ID, facial recognition or PIN but never leave them unattended. A minute or two away from your device is all it takes for a hacker to access your data.

When choosing passwords, use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols with a recommended length of at least 12 characters. Consider creating short phrases to help you remember them but you can also use a password manager that stores them in one protected location. There are free services available in app stores such as LastPass or KeePass, but there are also ones built into your devices and browsers, for example iCloud Keychain and Google Password Manager.

Wi-Fi best practice

Free Wi-Fi might seem appealing, but it can make you vulnerable to hackers. When you are connected to unsecure networks in areas such as hotels, airports and lounges, criminals can access your information.

Reduce the risk by using a VPN that creates a safer connection with password protection and encryption. It scrambles or encrypts your information so that unauthorized parties can't access data or anything else you send or receive online. Most phones are automatically set on connecting to Wi-Fi networks but turn off this feature before you depart. Instead, make sure to manually connect after determining if the Wi-Fi is safe or not.

Disable Bluetooth

Bluetooth signals can come from anywhere and open a door for hackers, giving them access to your phone or computer. When traveling, make sure to keep Bluetooth disabled or most importantly off “discoverable” mode, unless you are actively pairing it.

Charge your devices safely

When traveling, USB ports in public areas are popular for charging devices. In addition to supplying power, they are used for transferring data which skilled cybercriminals like to take advantage of. Make sure to always use a charger with a wall plug or bring a portable power bank with you when travelling.

Update software

It is important to keep your operating systems and antivirus software on all mobile devices up-to-date. Even downloaded apps should have the latest upgrades, especially the ones used regularly for work since they can fix known bugs or security issues. These updates should be completed before you depart and not while traveling.

Backup your data

Before traveling, back up your devices' data to the cloud to keep it safe. Life happens and it is possible that you will lose your computer or damage it. Trying to restore data while traveling can be complicated but having it in the cloud lets you access the information from anywhere.

Zurich’s personal cyber benefit

Companies and individuals can take plenty of steps to improve cyber security when traveling for business. The most fundamental part is to make sure employees are aware of the threats and that they take the necessary precautions. For when the unthinkable happens, a personal cyber benefit is your best protection.

Zurich’s new top-of-the-line Business Travel Insurance provides personal cyber coverage to ensure the policy holders’ digital duty of care towards their employees. We cover necessary and reasonable expenses that arise in connection to identity theft as well as payment and cellular fraud. For more information, please contact the Zurich Nordic Accident and Health at nordic.ah.uw@zurich.com