Travel Securely - Part 1: Airports
Airports are hubs of activity and potential security risks. Here are some key steps to protect yourself:
Turn off Bluetooth: Bluetooth is frequently used by malicious actors to launch common attacks like “bluejacking” or “bluesnarfing,” which allow unauthorized users to send data or steal information from your device. Keeping Bluetooth disabled in public places like airports minimizes the risk of such attacks. Consider using wired connections instead of Bluetooth options if you prefer to make calls or listen to media while at the airport.
Turn off Wi-Fi: Public networks, especially those in airports, are notorious for being insecure. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in open Wi-Fi networks to intercept sensitive information or launch man-in-the-middle attacks. By turning off Wi-Fi, you reduce your exposure to such risks. We recommend using a hotspot with cellular data if you need to use internet while traveling. If you have no other choice but to use public Wi-Fi, make sure you use a VPN service as explained in the next bullet.
Use a VPN: When connecting to public Wi-Fi networks at airports, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect sensitive data from anyone and everyone without your direct consent. We recommend using a VPN at all times, not just for travel, and especially when conducting any financial transactions. We encourage paying for this service with a reputable vendor such as NordVPN, Proton, or Private Internet Access (PIA); for advanced technical users, you may also want to create your own.
RFID-Blocking Wallet and/or Faraday Bag: Use an RFID-blocking wallet to prevent electronic pickpocketing. This will protect your credit cards and passports from unauthorized scans and data collection. For maximum security, we recommend placing your electronics in a Faraday Bag in order to eliminate any digital attack vector. Faraday Bags effectively block signals such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, RFID, and cellular networks from entering or leaving the bag.
Privacy Screen: Using a privacy screen for your cell phone and laptop helps prevent shoulder surfing, a form of visual hacking where unauthorized individuals glance over your shoulder to steal sensitive information from your screen. This is especially important in public places such as airports, coffee shops, or offices, where confidential data can be easily exposed. Privacy screens help restrict the field of view to the person directly in front of the screen. This makes it difficult for anyone beside or behind you to see your screen.
Data Blocker: If you need to charge your devices at public charging stations, use a data blocker (USB condom) to prevent data theft through potentially compromised USB ports. This blocking device ensures that no data is being transferred while your device charges. When possible, use your own charger at a DC outlet instead of a USB port (especially if you do not have a data blocker).
Stay Alert: Keep your luggage and personal items within sight at all times. Use TSA-approved locks for your checked luggage, and consider using a tracking device like a Tile or AirTag to keep tabs on your bags.
Self Defense: If you are used to having a sidearm, taser, or pepper spray for your every day carry (EDC), then you may want to consider obtaining a tactical pen for airport travel. At the time of this writing, TSA still allows tactical pens through security checkpoints. These pens are structurally reinforced and may be an effective tool in an extreme-close-quarters self defense scenario.
