I enjoy traveling to China and have seen its many wonders from the Great Wall to the Forbidden City. The food is always an adventure and the vast differences between western and eastern cultures can be seen everywhere in the streets. However, China is also one of the most regulated and restricted countries in the world making it very difficult to surf the internet. This is where having a virtual private network (VPN) comes in handy. A VPN is an encrypted tunnel of data that protects your information and identity from hackers by hiding your IP address. When you login to Wi-FI in your hotel it’s like being in a crowded room and telling someone next to you a secret. It’s too easy for others around you to hear this secret. Being on a public network opens you up for others on the same network to access and see your data, what you are surfing the internet for, and potentially grab any passwords or personal information from you. Here are my 3 key strategies for using VPNs while traveling.
Pick the Right VPN
There are many VPN companies out there offering safe and secure browsing. However, the problem with many of these companies are the many people using them, thereby slowing your experience down surfing the internet. It’s like a fountain of water from a hose. The more people are using the water, the less water there will be coming out of the fountain. Therefore, pick a VPN company that uses a wide range of servers around the world instead of just one. This gives you the option to use something close by you which can impact your speeds significantly. If I’m in Spain then naturally I want to select a server located in Spain and not in Los Angeles some 5,000 miles away.
Log On / Leave On
The “Log On / Leave On” tactic has proven invaluable in countries that restrict VPN usage. In my experience, these countries often block VPNs when users log on, disconnect, and then try to reconnect the next day. When a user’s IP address “disappears” due to logging off, it signals to hackers, or those monitoring, that a VPN is in use, allowing them to block the next login attempt. To avoid this, I recommend setting up your laptop or tablet, connecting to the internet, turning on the VPN, and leaving both the device and VPN on until you check out of your hotel. This continuous connection helps to maintain uninterrupted VPN access and enhances your online security. The Log On / Leave On tactic works.
Centralize Your Important Data
When traveling, I often need to access my bank accounts or investment apps to manage bills and other tasks. Sometimes, I need to log into a password-protected website containing my personal data. It’s crucial to use your laptop or tablet connected to the hotel Wi-Fi with the VPN active, adhering to the “Log On / Leave On” concept. This is important because if you log onto the VPN with your phone and aren’t vigilant about the VPN status, it could disconnect without your knowledge. As a result, you might inadvertently expose your information when checking a bank account without noticing the VPN is off. To avoid this, centralize your important data retrieval to a device you know is securely connected to the VPN.
Conclusion
VPNs should be a requirement for travel and as common as bringing a tooth brush with you. Pick a VPN that utilizes servers around the world. Make sure that you are selecting a reputable company that has been around for a while and has reviews or at least a way to vet them. Once you have a VPN, make sure it works by testing it before you head out on your trip. When you get to the hotel, log on / leave on your device. Make sure you are only using that device when you need to search or log into websites that have personal data. Using these tools will keep your data safe and give you a much better traveling experience with peace of mind your personal information is secure.
