Summer is that time of year when everything seems to slow down. We ease up, pack our bags, leave our computers off… but we also let our guard down. While we’re resting, cybercriminals are more active than ever.
Traveling, making reservations, online shopping, card payments, public Wi-Fi… Everything increases during vacation, and those looking to steal your data or empty your account know that very well. You don’t have to be an expert to protect yourself, but it’s wise to take five minutes to review your digital security before heading out on your trip.
The most common scams in the summer are as old as they are effective: fake bank emails or messages, rental websites that never return the key, skimmers at ATMs, identity theft… Many fall victim due to ignorance or simply by not checking the small details. And that can sometimes be costly.
That’s why we’ve prepared a simple guide with a checklist to help you go over everything important before hitting the road. Because protecting your information and your money is part of any travel itinerary.
✅ Digital Security Checklist for a Worry-Free Summer
🧳 Before You Go on Vacation
🔒 Account and App Security
- Enable two-step verification (two-factor authentication) on your banking apps and key services.
- Review your spending limits and set up alerts for transactions on your cards.
- Make sure you can block your cards or accounts from your mobile device.
- Only use the official apps of your bank or financial institution.
🧠 Passwords and Devices
- Change weak or repeated passwords for strong, secure ones.
- Use a password manager if you have trouble remembering them.
- Enable PIN, pattern, or fingerprint locks on your phone, tablet, or laptop.
- Back up your important photos, documents, or files.
📲 Digital Preparations
- Download tickets, maps, reservations, or documents to your mobile device before you leave.
- Turn off Bluetooth and automatic Wi-Fi to avoid unwanted connections.
- Install a VPN if you’ll be connecting from public networks.
- Update your apps before you go, especially banking and travel apps.
☀️ During Your Vacation
💳 Safe Payments
- Only pay at trusted stores and websites. Don’t enter your information on suspicious sites.
- Don’t share banking information via email, WhatsApp, or social media.
- Use secure payment methods like contactless, Bizum, or PayPal.
- If you notice anything unusual on your account, act quickly and block access.
📵 Safe Mobile Use
- Avoid accessing banking services on open or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
- Don’t install apps outside of Google Play or the App Store.
- Log out of websites you use infrequently.
- Don’t leave your phone unattended or unlocked in public spaces.
👀 Digital Common Sense
- Don’t click on links for prizes, bank alerts, or raffles if you weren’t expecting them.
- Don’t post on social media that you’re traveling (at least not in real-time).
- Be cautious of vacation rentals or reservations with prices that seem too good to be true.
- Be wary if asked for cash deposits without guarantees.
🆘 What if You Suspect Fraud?
- Immediately block your card or account access from the app.
- Contact your financial institution as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
- Report the incident to the police to have an official record.
🌴 Enjoy a Smart Summer (and Keep Your Data Safe)
The good news is that most fraud can be avoided with minimal precautions. The bad news is that it continues to happen due to oversights we could have prevented.
Make this checklist part of your summer routine, just like checking your luggage or passport. Because there’s nothing like traveling worry-free, knowing your money, accounts, and digital memories are secure.
And remember: scammers don’t take a break during the summer, but you can enjoy your time off with peace of mind.