Phishing, in which scammers attempt to steal your personal information, is one of the biggest threats to travelers’ cybersecurity. Whether you’re going on vacation, business trip or even a short getaway, you need to be vigilant to avoid taking the bait.

The main phishing scams targeting travelers :

– False emails or SMS messages appearing to come from airlines, hotels, booking sites, asking you to click on a link for an update, a credit note, etc. This link leads to a malicious site. This link leads to a malicious site stealing your credentials.

– False messages in your name, apparently sent from a hacked account to your contacts, with a malicious link that you should never click.

– Bogus communications from the customer service department of your bank or credit card with which you have paid for services, requesting personal information.

– Fake mirror sites, with a URL similar to a legitimate travel site, inviting you to re-enter your access codes, which will be hijacked.

To protect yourself from such traps, here are a few essential reflexes:

– Beware of links received by e-mail/SMS/messaging, even from contacts you know. First check directly with the alleged sender via their official channels.

– Be vigilant about the sites you actually visit, especially by looking at the full URL displayed.

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– Never enter confidential information if you have any doubts about the legitimacy of the site/request.

– Activate multi-factor authentication to make your online accounts as secure as possible.

– Keep a critical eye on any communication that seems suspicious during your travels.

Phishing scams remain a major threat, all the more dangerous because you’re mobile and likely to let your guard down. You need to be cautious at all times to avoid digital misadventures that could spoil your precious vacation!