In the world of business, traveling has become very common
among business executive and employees, due to the fact that
most companies have different offices across the globe, therefore
there is the need for executives and employees of this companies
to travel whether in company’s private plane or commercial
airlines. Our world economy has become so small because of
advance technology. Technology improvement has also given
business the cutting-edge technologies to be more efficient,
productive and also meet the needs of their customers.
However, there have been many challenges, risks, and unforeseen
consequences of cyber-crimes and attacks. These attacks can be
dangerous to organizational information systems, security posture,
assets, as well as create other vulnerabilities in their IT
infrastructure. Today millions of people travel across the globe,
but business travelers have become a target for cyber criminals.
“The biggest cybersecurity threat to travelers is the risk
associated with using Wi-Fi hotspots. But public Wi-Fi is not the
only threat. The main problem is that travelers often do not
always take even the most basic security precautions they should”
(infosec, 2018).
Incorporating further information security measures and practice
will create awareness for both internal and traveling employees
when handling devices and data. Such defense in depth will also
help mitigate cyberattacks such as phishing, identity theft, whaling
and, spear-phishing, which are commonly used by hackers to
break into organization information systems.
Recommendation for business travelers whiles on company’s
laptops and phones
• Turn off laptops when not in use
• Turn off the wi-fi access
• Before connecting to open wi-fi, make sure sensitive
information are protected
• Do not check your bank statement when using an open
public wi-fi at the airport or the restaurant
• Use a strong password
• Protect your data from been compromised (Trend Micro)
• Ensure you have updated Antivirus (AV)/Anti-Spyware is
installed on your PC or other mobile devices.
In conclusion, Padgett Beale Hotels and Resorts should implement
a yearly mandatory security training to help all staff, including all
travelling employees and executives, to use IT security best
practices to safely guide the organization's data. Doing this will
secure the overall security measures of the organization and help
lower or eliminate the risk of cyber threats from potential hackers.
References
https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity-
While-Traveling-Tip-Sheet-122019-508.pdf
https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/30-cybersecurity-tips-for-
travelers/#gref
