How to Protect Yourself and Your Business When Traveling

Protect your company and finances while traveling—take simple security steps before, during, and after every trip.

Business travel brings opportunities—but it’s busy, with airports, hotels, and conferences packed with people and activities. Amid the business and networking, it’s also prime ground for fraud. Protecting your finances should be part of your travel checklist.

The Top Security Risks for Traveling Employees

1. Public Wi-Fi Vulnerabilities

Wi-Fi at airports and hotels are common targets for hackers. Some hackers even create fake “Free Wi-Fi” networks to trick travelers into connecting.

Security Tip: Never log into online banking or sensitive systems without using a secure VPN.

2. Device Theft or Loss

Travel makes it easier to lose track of devices. Laptops can be left at TSA checkpoints or phones may be forgotten in rideshares.

Security Tip: Set devices to auto-lock after a short amount of time and enable remote tracking.

3. Shoulder Surfing and Physical Surveillance

Working on financial documents during a flight or logging into accounts in a busy lounge can put your information at risk. Someone nearby may watch your screen or take a photo without you noticing.

Security Tip: Use a privacy screen protector and position your screen away from others when entering passwords or viewing sensitive data.

4. Business Email Compromise While Traveling

When employees travel, scammers send business emails asking for wire transfers or sensitive information. They may look like they are from a CEO or executive. Criminals also use out-of-office replies while they’re away.

Security Tip: Never send money or sensitive information in an email alone. Always verify requests through a trusted phone number.

How to Protect Financial Accounts While Traveling

Before You Leave

Turn on multi-factor authentication for all accounts.
Update your device software.
Set travel alerts on bank and credit card accounts.
Test your VPN connection.
Remove saved passwords you do not need.

While Traveling

Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi.
Do not access financial accounts on shared computers.
Lock devices when not in use.
Turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it.
Keep devices with you at all times.

After You Return

Change passwords for important accounts.
Check bank and credit card statements.
Report any strange activity right away.
Run a security scan on your devices if needed.

Best Practices for Employers

Require muli-factor authentications for all employees and provide secure VPN access. Set clear wire transfer verification rules and provide fraud awareness training. A A simple security checklist can help employees stay protected on every trip.

What to Do If You Fall Victim

If your device is lost or you notice suspicious activity, report it to your IT team. Contact your bank immediately, freeze or monitor accounts, and change your passwords from a secure device.

The information provided in these articles is intended for informational purposes only. It is not to be construed as the opinion of Central Bancompany, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and does not imply endorsement or support of any of the mentioned information, products, services, or providers. All information presented is without any representation, guaranty, or warranty regarding the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of the information.