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The flexibility of summer often brings a shift in how, and where we work. Whether you’re extending a family vacation with a few remote workdays or logging into meetings from a beachside Airbnb, the rise of hybrid work has made working from anywhere easier than ever.

But with this freedom comes greater cybersecurity risk.

Unsecured networks, unfamiliar devices, and more relaxed routines can open the door to cyber threats that put your personal data and your organization’s systems at risk. At RB Advisory, we understand that today’s professionals are mobile, agile, and always connected, which is exactly why cyber awareness must travel with you.

The Risks of Working Remotely While Traveling

Cybercriminals often look for easy targets, devices connected to public Wi-Fi, unencrypted communications, unattended laptops, and poor password habits. Summer travel amplifies these risks in several ways:

• Public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and hotels is notoriously insecure
• Lost or stolen devices are more common during travel
• Social engineering scams increase as attackers take advantage of out-of-office distractions
• Unsecured USB charging stations (see our Juice Jacking blog) may be compromised
• Data breaches can occur when accessing company files over untrusted networks

7 Tips to Stay Cyber Safe This Summer

1. Use a VPN—Always

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your data secure even when using public Wi-Fi. Make sure your VPN is installed and active whenever you’re working from a remote location.

2. Avoid Public Charging Stations

As we’ve covered in our Juice Jacking blog, never plug your device into public USB ports. Instead, carry your own charger and plug directly into an AC outlet or use a portable power bank.

3. Keep Devices Updated

Before you travel, ensure your laptop, tablet, and smartphone have the latest security patches and software updates installed. Outdated software is a common target for hackers.

4. Don’t Overshare on Social Media

Announcing your travel plans publicly can make you—and your company—a target. Criminals often use travel posts to time phishing attacks or even attempt physical theft.

5. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

MFA provides an added layer of security even if your password is compromised. It’s especially critical when accessing email, cloud storage, or internal business systems while away from your normal environment.

6. Use Encrypted File Sharing Tools

Don’t email sensitive files over public networks. Use secure file sharing platforms approved by your organization to reduce risk of interception or unauthorized access.

7. Lock Your Devices

Set up strong passcodes or biometric locks and never leave devices unattended in public places. In the event your device is lost or stolen, ensure remote wipe capabilities are activated.

A Word from Our CEO

“Mobility is the future of work, but security should never take a vacation,” says Regine Bonneau, CEO of RB Advisory, also known as the Cyber Queen™. “Summer is a great time to recharge, just make sure your cybersecurity practices don’t take a break along with you.”

What Companies Can Do

If your workforce includes remote or hybrid employees, it’s essential to implement policies and tools that support secure telework. This includes:

• Training programs on safe remote practices
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions
• Travel checklists for secure equipment and protocols
• Incident response plans specific to remote breach scenarios

RB Advisory offers cybersecurity awareness training and travel-safe protocols for companies looking to reduce risk without compromising flexibility. Schedule a consultation today!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re taking meetings from a hotel lobby or catching up on emails poolside, secure telework starts with proactive cyber habits. By practicing good digital hygiene while traveling, you not only protect your own data, you help safeguard your entire organization.

Summer freedom and security can go hand in hand, with the right preparation.