Forget about pickpockets and lost luggage. The biggest risk to your next vacation will simply be lurking online.
“Anyone can be a potential victim,” warns Seth Ruden, director of global advisory at BioCatch, a biometric company. “But frequent travelers are likely targets, as travel rewards, airline miles, and other stored payment details on travel accounts can be lucrative and easily monetizable.”
People are more involved in cybersecurity than ever before. In fact, a recent study by Travelers Insurance found that 62% of respondents were concerned about online security, the point in 11 years. (Travelers surveyed business owners, though other surveys show their considerations are more broadly reflected. )
Travelers face a variety of cyber threats, from phishing scams designed to borrow non-public data to fake travel websites and rental listings that leave those affected stranded and financially exhausted. According to Check Point Research, a cybersecurity company, in 2024, 1 in 33 newly registered vacation-related domain names were malicious or suspicious. This category included phishing sites that imitated Booking. com, Kayak and other popular travel platforms, according to the company.
“Malicious actors now have the ability to identify and attack cellular devices, send malicious code to the device, access a device to track its location, turn on your device’s microphone, and intercept messages,” says Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas. in Global Travel Protection. “Adopting cybersecurity measures aimed at mitigating threats is essential for travelers and their data. “
Abhishek Karnik, the head of threat research at McAfee, says there are two places where travelers are particularly vulnerable: while they’re booking and while they’re traveling.
“Travelers will have to remain vigilant,” he said.
But how?
As the generation continues to be more incorporated into our experiences, the threat of cyberattacks when booking online or accessing unsecured networks in foreign countries is a genuine concern.
Peter Hamdy, CEO of Auckland & Beyond Tours, says we want to be careful in 2025.
“With my extensive experience in the industry, I can tell you that one of the biggest risks will likely be the evolving cybersecurity risk landscape,” he says.
So brush up on your online hygiene, meaning replace your passwords frequently, allow two-factor authentication, don’t click on any phishing links, and never, ever give out your password or passwords. access to a third party. You can also use an insurance app to stay safe.
A virtual personal network (VPN) can keep you safe, says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.
“Travelers are looking for free Wi-Fi, but many public networks they can connect to are not secure and put their personal information at risk,” he explains. “I suggest that travelers use a VPN to protect their phones or laptops when using public Wi-Fi. “
Identity theft is one of the most common social engineering threats in travel. Attackers can pose as hotel staff, tour guides or even other travelers to access non-public data on your devices, according to Karnik, the McAfee security expert.
“Always find out the identity of Americans before sharing sensitive data or handing over items,” he adds.
Phishing (sending emails posing as a reputable company to trick you into divulging private information) is becoming complex.
“Travel is a prime opportunity for a spoofing campaign,” warns Rishika Desai, a threat researcher at predictive security firm BforeAI. “Many are looking for a deal during a time when prices are especially high. And cyber criminals are impersonating well-known, legitimate brands.”
The solution? Never click on an email and stay on a link from a source you don’t recognize. Always go directly to the company’s online page to check offers.
Artificial intelligence has given cybercriminals the equipment they need to temporarily attack even the most skilled travelers.
“AI can create attractive websites, create more grassy language, and even generate fake reviews,” says Cache Merrill, CEO of Zibtek, a software developer. “Everything is much more valid with AI-based technology, and other people get caught in the trap. “
Although AI is making it even more challenging for travelers to discern legitimate offers from scams, artificial intelligence isn’t perfect. With a little practice you can discern AI-generated text, photos, videos — and bogus travel offers. Or you could just take a shortcut: If an online offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Perhaps the most productive recommendation is to leave nothing to chance. Unfortunately, travelers are simply winging it, according to the latest research. According to a recent Opinium Research survey, only two in ten business travelers say they want to receive cybersecurity education.
“Do your homework and make sure you have a plan in place for any potential issues that may arise,” says John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet’s air medical and travel safety program. “It’s more stressful right now and less difficult. ” if you have backup systems or plans in place. “
There is also CybersecurityArray, which protects travelers from unforeseen events. For example, BOXX Insurance and World Travel Protection recently introduced cybersecurity assistance for business travelers, which monitors emerging virtual dangers and helps them anticipate and avoid potential threats and scams. This type of Possibly soon will also be available for recreational travelers.
The golden rule when traveling has been to expect the unexpected. In 2025, that means expecting and preparing for the growing risk of cybercrime. By doing this, you can ensure that your adventures are told through joyful discoveries and not virtual disasters. .
ᐧ
One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.
Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.
To do this, please comply with the posting regulations in our site’s terms of use. We summarize some of those key regulations below. In short, civilized.
Your message will be rejected if we notice that it appears to contain:
User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:
So how can you be a user?
Thank you for reading our Community Standards. Read the full list of posting regulations discovered in our site’s Terms of Use.