data breach

You’re on the road for the holidays. A client texts. A team member emails. Your daughter wants to play games on your laptop. It’s tempting to let things slide. But holiday travel is when firms like yours get hit—because people relax security at the worst possible time.

Here’s how to stay protected, without turning your vacation into a compliance checklist.

 

Before You Leave: 15 Minutes of Prep

  • Run system updates on all devices
  • Back up key files to your secure cloud
  • Enable screen lock (2 minutes or less)
  • Turn on “Find My Device”
  • Pack your own chargers and a power bank

 

Set Device Rules with Family

  • Decide what’s OK for kids to use
  • Bring a separate tablet for them
  • If they must use your laptop, create a guest account with limited access

Pro tip: $150 for a family iPad is cheaper than a data breach.

 

Hotel WiFi: Risky by Default

Everyone connects to hotel WiFi. But not all of those users are friendly. Fake hotspots are common, and real ones are easy to snoop.

  • Confirm the network name at check-in
  • Use a VPN for any business activity
  • Use your phone’s hotspot for sensitive work

 

Protect Your Work Device

Work laptops are not toys. Letting your kids stream cartoons on them is like leaving the firm’s client list at a playground.

If sharing is unavoidable:

  • Create a separate user profile
  • No downloads
  • No password saving
  • Clear the browser afterward

Better option? Bring a family-only device.

 

Hotel Smart TVs: A Privacy Trap

Logging into Netflix on the hotel TV sounds easy—until the next guest logs in with your account.

  • Use your own device to stream
  • If you must log in, set a phone reminder to log out before checkout
  • Never access work accounts on hotel TVs

 

If a Device Goes Missing

First hour is critical:

  • Use tracking to locate it
  • Lock it remotely
  • Change all critical passwords
  • Alert your IT partner or MSP
  • If it held client data, notify your CCO and document the incident

Before the trip:

  • Ensure devices have remote wipe enabled
  • Use encryption and strong passwords

 

Rental Cars Store More Than You Think

If you connect your phone to the car, it might store call logs, messages, or contact info.

Before returning the vehicle:

  • Delete your phone from Bluetooth settings
  • Clear GPS history

 

Set Boundaries If You Must Work

  • Check email at set times
  • Use hotspot, not hotel WiFi
  • Work in private spaces
  • Be fully present with family when off the clock

Security slips happen when you’re tired and half-working.

 

This Isn’t About Perfection

You might need to check in with the team. You might let a kid borrow a device. The goal isn’t zero risk—it’s minimizing exposure.

Prepare smart. Know your limits. Have a recovery plan.

 

Want Help Creating a Travel-Safe Policy?

If you or your team will be working from airports, hotels, or guest bedrooms this month, let’s build simple, practical protections that align with your firm’s compliance policies.

 

Get Your Free Security Consultation Today – Protect What Matters!