Travel Cybersecurity
Passport Concerns
Use caution when applying for or renewing your passport. A July 2025 report from WBRC highlighted a warning from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about deceptive passport and visa websites that mimic official government services and charge consumers unnecessary fees.
The BBB said travelers searching online for passport renewals or applications were being directed to sites such as USPassportandVisa.org, which appeared legitimate but were not affiliated with the U.S. government, despite using patriotic branding and official-looking language. Many users reportedly paid around $88–$100 and submitted sensitive information including Social Security and credit card numbers, only to receive PDF forms that are freely available through the U.S. Department of State website.
The BBB urged consumers to only use official “.gov” websites, especially travel.state.gov, to carefully verify URLs, avoid third-party services when possible, and allow enough processing time to avoid rushing into scams.
Vacation & Travel Cybersecurity Tips
Vacations often create opportunities for cybercriminals because travelers rely heavily on mobile devices, public internet connections, and unfamiliar technology environments. Before traveling, individuals should update all devices, operating systems, browsers, and apps to patch security vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit.
Travelers are also encouraged to enable multi-factor (MFA) authentication on important accounts, use strong and unique passwords stored in a password manager, back up important data, and activate tracking and remote wipe features such as “Find My Device” in case phones or laptops are lost or stolen. Another best practice involves limiting the amount of sensitive information stored on devices and only bringing the technology that is truly necessary for the trip.
While traveling, be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks commonly found in airports, hotels, cafés, and tourist locations. Public networks can expose users to eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, so avoid sensitive activities such as online banking or shopping unless using a trusted virtual private network (VPN) or a personal hotspot. Travelers are advised to disable automatic Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections because attackers can exploit open or spoofed networks to gain unauthorized access to devices.
Ensure that devices never be left unattended and that travelers remain aware of “shoulder surfing,” where someone nearby attempts to view passwords or sensitive information being entered on a screen. Charging stations are another concern, as public USB charging ports may expose devices to “juice jacking” attacks that can install malware or steal data, so use personal charging adapters or portable battery packs instead.
Users are encouraged to wait until after returning home to share photos and travel details. In addition, it is advisable to carefully review app permissions and remove temporary travel apps after the trip if they are no longer needed. Once home, you should monitor financial accounts, credit cards, and online services for suspicious activity that may indicate compromised credentials or fraud during travel.
Overall, cybersecurity preparation should be considered an important part of travel planning, just like packing luggage or securing travel documents, because proactive digital safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft, financial loss, or compromised personal information.