Summer vacation at last!10 tips for digital protection on summer vacation

1. pack only the essentials

When preparing for a family vacation, you should only take the devices you really need. The fewer devices you take with you, the fewer things you have to protect and keep an eye on. If something goes wrong, you'll have a secure device at home from which you can easily access your accounts and data.

2. back up and delete your data before you travel

Back up your data. Before you set off on your trip, you should back up all the data on your devices. This will give you peace of mind if your devices are lost or stolen, as your most recent data is safely stored.
Also consider deleting data. Once you have created a backup, you should remove sensitive data from the devices you take with you when you travel. This will prevent hackers from accessing valuable information even if your devices fall into the wrong hands.
Have you never backed up your data? A quick online search with your device model and the term "How can I back up my data" will provide you with many instructions.

• Link tip: Consumer advice center "How to set up a data backup with just a few clicks"

3. protect your devices with updates and a password

Update and back up your devices. Before your trip, make sure that all your family's devices are equipped with the latest software updates and secure passwords to protect your personal data. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Strong passwords and 2FA make it more difficult for potential thieves or hackers to access sensitive data if the device is stolen.

• Link tip: "Creating secure passwords" explained by the BSI
• Link tip: "What does two-factor authentication mean?" explained by the BSI

4. secure your family's internet connections

Public Wi-Fi can be practical, but it is very vulnerable to hackers. Therefore, equip your family with a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection. For example, for your children when they use public Wi-Fi to play games or for their apps.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive accounts such as banking or financial sites. Educate your children about the risks of accessing such accounts via unsecured networks.

• Link tip: "How does a Virtual Private Network (VPN) work?" explained by the BSI

5. be careful with public devices

If possible, avoid using public computers and tablets in hotels and airports. You cannot be sure who has used these public devices before you or whether viruses or malware have been installed on them. This is particularly important if you want to access sensitive accounts such as online banking, email or social media.
If you need to use a public device, you should log out of all accounts and delete your browsing history at the end of use. When you return to your secure device, you should change the passwords for any accounts you accessed on the public device. A password manager can simplify this process and help protect your family's accounts.

• Link tip: "What is a password manager?" explained by the BSI

6. use location services with caution

Only activate location services in apps when necessary. To protect your family's privacy, you should deactivate location services in your device settings when you are not using them. The less hackers know about your location, the safer you are.
Also deactivate geotagging. Geotagging adds location data to your photos and posts and makes it easy for potential hackers to track your movements. Therefore, make sure that you deactivate geotagging in the settings of your mobile device.

7. make sure that you can log out from anywhere

Many hotels and vacation rentals have smart TVs pre-installed with apps for popular streaming services. This allows families to watch their favorite shows and movies while traveling by simply logging into their personal accounts. If you log in to these apps, make sure you log out before you leave. If you stay logged in, the next guest could access your account, view your personal details or even make changes or purchases through your account.

8. share vacation photos securely

If you want to share vacation photos online, it's best to wait until you're back home. While it's tempting to share the highlights of your vacation right away, posting real-time updates can alert intruders that you've been away and make you more vulnerable to scams during your trip. You can also post the nice vacation pictures after your return.
Do not post any pictures that show personal details such as home addresses, school names or car license plates, regardless of whether they are your own details or those of other people. Even seemingly harmless details can be used by identity thieves or burglars.

Protect the identity of minors in particular. Make sure your children's faces and names remain private when posting photos online. Children are particularly vulnerable to online exploitation and sharing personal information can expose them to unnecessary risks. You should also always ask your children for permission before posting their photos. This way, they learn the importance of giving their consent and the importance of protecting their privacy.

Also ask permission if you want to publish pictures that show other people or other people's children. This respects the privacy of everyone involved and avoids potential conflicts or misuse of images.

• Link tip: "Burglars also use Facebook, Instagram and co." from Police Crime Prevention
• Link tip: "Children's pictures online - what parents should be aware of on vacation" from klicksafe

9. talk to your children about digital safety on vacation

Use the precautionary measures mentioned above to teach your children about data protection and how to use the internet safely. For example:

Talk to your children about why it is important to keep personal data private - both on vacation and in everyday life. Explain how sharing real-time locations or detailed travel plans can make them vulnerable to risks such as theft.
Set guidelines together and instill good habits. Go through app security settings together. Emphasize the importance of being careful with any personal information they share online.

By having these conversations, you will help your children understand the importance of digital safety and empower them to protect their own data effectively.

• Material tip: "Data protection tips for parents" brochure from klicksafe
• Material tip: "How to better protect your data" checklist from klicksafe

10. have fun!

Remember that digital security should not make your life more difficult or make you overly vigilant. If you take the simple measures above in advance, you can really relax and be sure that you are protected in the best possible way.

We wish you a safe journey!