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How to Stay Secure Online While Traveling

Stay Secure Online While Traveling

We usually want to be careful about keeping our valuables—tickets, money, passports, and electronics—safe from getting lost or stolen while traveling. But have you ever considered your online security a possible target? Many people surprisingly neglect the dangers of cybercrime while abroad.

It’s unfortunate that a small error like connecting to an insecure Wi-Fi network could reveal your personal data and money for malicious actors to use. So, if getting hacked is something you’d like to avoid, you’re most likely thinking about getting a VPN or an eSIM to safely access the internet. While both options are great, which one would actually be best for you?

Discover why being caught off guard overseas could be dangerous and how a VPN or eSIM can protect your online safety while traveling. Importantly, this article will assist you in choosing the best option for your needs.

Common Risks of Unsecured Internet Connections

First, let’s understand what an unsecured internet connection is. Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly found in airports, hotels, coffee shops, and other public spaces, are often unsecured. Without requiring passwords or authorization, these networks allow anyone nearby to join, putting all connected devices at risk.

Cybercriminals can exploit these networks to monitor your activity, intercept sensitive data, and install malware. This makes everything you type or search vulnerable to exposure, leading to potential fraud. So, if you’ve ever wondered what is fraud, it often follows when hackers successfully gain access to your device. The most common forms of fraud associated with unsecured Wi-Fi are trojans and ransomware. Trojans allow criminals to access your social media accounts, passwords, and phone numbers, giving them complete control over spam and hijacking more data. As for ransomware, criminals steal your information and demand you pay a ransom to retrieve access to your data and device.

With free Wi-Fi now widely available, cybercriminals are more inclined to exploit it, while inexperienced users are more likely to connect without considering the risks. However, this doesn’t mean you need to be offline for most of your trip when going abroad just to stay safe online. You can protect your privacy online instead by using a VPN or an eSIM.

Using a VPN

With a VPN service set up on your devices, you can still access unprotected Wi-Fi networks securely. What a VPN does is it creates a safe, encrypted connection when you go online, serving as a safe space between you and other online internet users. It encrypts all the information that leaves your phone or laptop, making it unreadable for cybercriminals. All the data coming from the internet is also encrypted, meaning your devices are safe from potential data interception.

Of course, that is not the only benefit of using a VPN. In addition to online security, it can also:

● prevent web browsers and providers from tracking your online activity for advertisement
placement and other purposes;
● stop unauthorized users from accessing your network connection;
● avoid data throttling when an internet service provider minimizes your internet speed;
● allow you to change your IP address, helping you access geo-blocked websites and
content online.

One thing you should note is that using only a VPN when connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, such as the one in your hotel room, may result in an unstable internet connection. Moreover, some VPNs may slightly reduce your internet speed. So, if you want to maintain a secure and fast connection throughout your entire trip, you might be interested in learning more about eSIM.

Using an eSIM

In terms of online security, mobile connections are the most secure option for travelers. They are equipped with automatic encryption, which protects your data and devices from unauthorized access or theft. Additionally, hackers face significant challenges when targeting devices running on mobile connections, so it makes you a less desirable target for hacking. However, using your regular SIM for hotspots abroad can result in high roaming fees.

This is why an embedded SIM, or eSIM, is even better for obtaining internet access when traveling abroad. Since this programmable chip is already built into your phone, you don’t need to switch SIM cards to use it, and it usually costs a lot less than data roaming.

Besides that, you can activate an eSIM right away upon arrival, so there is no need to hunt for a local SIM card to access the internet. Many eSIM providers actually offer a large selection of data plans suitable for several locations, which makes it simple to switch plans every now and then. So, if you come across a better eSIM plan during your trip, switch to it without any hassle.

In addition, eSIMs provide greater security. Unlike physical SIM cards, which can be physically removed and misused for SIM-swapping attacks, an eSIM is embedded in your device, cannot be physically extracted, and allows remote deactivation. This protects your data and accounts even if your phone gets stolen.

eSIMs have a lot to offer, but not every phone can support them and some plans might limit the use of a physical SIM card next to them. So, for those who rely on their regular SIM card for calls or text messaging, this can present a difficulty. Under such circumstances, a VPN could be a better choice since it guarantees both internet access and personal data security while abroad.

VPN vs. eSIM – How to Choose?

Staying connected to the internet while traveling abroad requires extra care, but both eSIMs and VPNs can help address this need effectively. A VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content securely but may not always offer a stable connection throughout your journey. On the other hand, an eSIM provides dependable online connectivity, though it might not work with all devices or allow you to use your regular SIM card for calls and texts.

Try to weigh out both choices and see whether you personally prioritize internet stability or phone calls and SMS messaging. Then, you will know whether you need a VPN or eSIM for your upcoming trip.