Summer IT Safety Tips from the Team at eKeeper
As you plan your summer travels—whether you’re heading to the lake, catching a flight overseas, or just unplugging for a staycation—it’s not just your luggage that needs to be secure. Your tech does, too.
IT security isn’t just about work—it’s about personal safety. From smart homes to smartphones, your devices carry the keys to your identity, your data, and even your front door. At eKeeper, we help organizations stay protected year-round, and that includes helping your team stay secure while traveling.
Check out these cybersecurity best practices for summer travel—plus eKeeper’s tips to help you stay protected wherever you go.
1. Don’t Broadcast Your Vacation in Real Time
Sharing vacation photos in real time might feel like a fun way to stay connected, but it can also signal that your home is unoccupied—making you a potential target for theft. If your address is accessible through public profiles or previous posts, this becomes more than just a digital risk—it’s a physical one. Technically speaking, many photos contain metadata like GPS coordinates (EXIF data), which can be extracted if the image is uploaded without editing.
Also keep in mind: tagging friends and family can compromise their privacy and security too. If you’re traveling as a group, be mindful that your posts may unintentionally reveal others’ whereabouts or signal that multiple homes are unoccupied. Not everyone may be comfortable having their location or travel status shared online, so it’s always best to ask before tagging.
eKeeper Recommends:
- Disable geotagging on photos before uploading.
- Use private accounts and wait until you’re back home to share vacation highlights.
- Avoid tagging travel companions in real time to help protect their privacy as well.
2. Skip Browser-Based Password Storage
Browsers like Chrome and Firefox make it easy to save passwords for quick access, but this convenience comes with risk—especially when traveling. If your device is lost, stolen, or accessed by someone else (such as on a shared computer at a hotel or airport), those saved credentials can be compromised. Technically, stored passwords can be extracted using tools like NirSoft or even through browser developer tools if someone is already authenticated.
eKeeper Recommends:
- Use enterprise-grade password managers (e.g., Bitwarden, 1Password, or Keeper).
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) and avoid saving passwords on public or borrowed devices.
3. Secure Your Smart Home Devices Before You Go
Smart home devices—like security cameras, thermostats, lighting systems, and garage doors—offer convenience, but they can also introduce vulnerabilities if not properly secured. Many of these Internet of Things (IoT) devices are shipped with default settings or weak credentials that are rarely updated by users. Technically, they’re frequent targets for attackers who exploit firmware vulnerabilities.
eKeeper Recommends:
- Update firmware before you leave.
- Disable remote access features you don’t need.
- Use a firewall to segment smart home devices from your primary home network.
Note: eKeeper does not offer home security services, but we recommend finding a trusted local expert to assess and secure your smart home setup.
4. Be Careful What’s Stored in Your Vehicle
Be cautious about what you leave in your vehicle when you’re traveling. Parking at an airport with a GPS device still set to “Home” or a garage door opener visibly stored in the car is essentially an open invitation for thieves. Beyond the immediate loss of your vehicle, physical theft can quickly turn into digital crime if sensitive items—like work ID badges or confidential documents—are also inside.
eKeeper Recommends:
- Remove garage door openers and reprogram your GPS “Home” address to a nearby public landmark.
- Keep sensitive items out of the car entirely—or secure them in a lockbox if you must leave anything behind.
5. Back Up MFA and Know Your Recovery Paths
Losing your phone or SIM card can do more than just interrupt your calls—it can lock you out of the very systems you need. Many popular authenticator apps (like Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator) keep your one-time codes only on the device itself, and if that device goes missing, so do your tokens. Even worse, if you rely on SMS-based 2FA, attackers can employ SIM-swapping techniques to intercept your messages and hijack your accounts.
eKeeper Recommends:
- Use authenticator apps that support encrypted backups and device syncing (e.g., Authy).
- Print or securely store your MFA backup codes in a safe place.
- Set up a recovery email address that isn’t tied to your mobile number.
6. Consider Using AirTags or Tracking Devices
When you’re constantly on the move, it’s easy to misplace items—or worse, have them stolen. AirTags (Apple) or Bluetooth tracking tools like Tile or Chipolo can help you locate lost luggage, backpacks, or other valuables while on the go.
Note: These tools don’t prevent theft, but they do increase your chances of recovery and reduce stress during travel.
eKeeper Suggests:
- Place a tracker inside your checked luggage.
- Use tracking tags on high-value items like laptops, camera bags, or travel wallets.
- Review and manage your tracking app’s privacy settings regularly.
Final Reminder: Travel Doesn’t Pause Threats
Attackers love high-traffic seasons—people are distracted, security teams are short-staffed, and users are logging in from unusual locations. Whether you’re in the office or halfway across the globe, your cybersecurity posture matters.
Need help hardening your systems before summer PTO? We’re happy to help. Reach out to eKeeper for support with secure device configurations, password tools, or general travel security best practices.