Around the world, there has been an increase in domestic violence, especially against women and children. This is one of the many sad outcomes of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Over the last week alone, Kenyan media houses have reported a 30% to 42% increase in reported cases of domestic violence. This is not only a female issue but a societal issue as men and boys are also victims of domestic violence.
The increase in domestic violence has been partly attributed to the impunity abusers have. They know that victims have nowhere to run and the government is overstretched at the moment. Previously, schools and workplaces provided safe havens for victims, even if only for a few hours a day. But now, many vulnerable people are at the mercy of their abusers for days on end because they are forced to remain home due to government-imposed restrictions around COVID-19. A lot of Kenyans are out of work, or unable to go to work and these economic stressors have also led some people to release their frustrations on those closest to them.
Many victims decide not to report incidents of domestic violence because perpetrators are often the breadwinners of the household and their arrest may lead to a lack of household funds. Additionally, victims fear retaliation from perpetrators who threaten to kill them if they report or try to run away from the situation. In fact, 58% of all women that are killed globally were murdered by an intimate partner. For other victims, especially male ones, the stigma attached to domestic violence victims prevents them from asking for help or reporting their abusers.
The government has put in place measures such as the 7 pm -5 am curfew and movement restrictions to battle COVID-19. Unfortunately, very little is being done for domestic violence victims. Also, many of the hotlines for private organizations that help victims were not picked or were inactive when I tried to call them. Victims need somewhere they can turn to which is why activists are asking the government to set aside a budget to protect domestic violence victims.
Over 85% of documented domestic violence perpetrators have been men. Therefore there can be a significant reduction in domestic and sexual violence if men take part in discussions surrounding it. Not all men are abusers, and they can speak up against and have a zero-tolerance attitude towards domestic violence amongst their peers.
Additionally, the security industry is the protector of our society and should take a lead against domestic violence. Companies can help to reduce domestic violence through awareness training and zero-tolerance policies against violence and sexism. Additionally, victims can get support through the provision of jobs and economic empowerment programs.
A lot of us feel helpless when we read about cases of violence against women and children. Below are some ways that you can help reduce domestic violence during this outbreak and in the longer term.
Break the silence. Domestic violence thrives because many people choose to turn a blind eye when they see it happen. If someone you know is getting abused, report it to the police. Spread awareness about domestic violence by sharing posts and articles that condemn it. You can also educate yourself on how you can assist victims. Silence about violence allows the violence to continue.
Lobby for the National and County governments to increase funding for facilities and services that help victims of domestic violence.
Support organizations that help victims of domestic violence. You can do this through financial donations, free publicity or volunteer work.
If possible, continue paying your domestic employees even when they can’t work due to quarantine and curfews. Not receiving a salary can bring economic stress, which can lead to violence in the home.
Help victims to form a safety plan. The exercise of going through the steps that a victim can take in case they get attacked could help them come out of a dangerous situation. Each safety plan has to be tailored to the individual circumstances but could include having a safe place that they can run to e.g. a relatives’ home or a shelter, or a code word that they can use in calls to signify that they need immediate assistance.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call one of the below numbers for help.
Kenya Police Hotline – Dial 999 or 112
Childline Kenya – Dial 116 (Chat on WhatsApp between 7 am and 6 pm on 0722116116)
Wangui Kanja Foundation – SMS for free 21094 or Dial +254-722 790 404
Finally, if you know of any shelters or organizations that help victims of domestic and sexual violence please let us know so that we can add them as a resource.What are your thoughts on domestic violence? Let us know in the comments.
This week is my last installment of personal and digital security tips for your 2020 travels. This time, I will focus on when you return from your travels. It’s important to remember that security does not end when you walk in your front door after a trip.
Digital Security Tips 1. Change Your Passwords When You Get Home.
After a trip, it is always advisable to change your password. Traveling is when your devices and personal information are most vulnerable. Even if you believe no one has gained access to your device or had access to your passwords, just to be safe, change your passwords. If you are like me, you may use the same password for multiple accounts and do not change them as often as I should. I recently traveled to Ethiopia and could not get my computer to connect to my phone’s hotspot, so I had to use the free Wi-Fi at the airport. When I got home, I changed the passwords on my accounts, which was annoying but I had to do it to ensure my digital security. Remember, free and public Wi-Fi spots are very insecure and can provide easy access to your computer or device.
2. Clear Browsing History And Cache.
Malware and personal data can sit in your cache, when you travel you are likely visiting sites you would not normally visit, so by clearing your browsing history and cache you are protecting your personal information and severing any link through the cache. This should not only be done after traveling but regularly. I recommend every month or anytime you visit an untrusted site. Most browsers today offer an incognito browser that does not save this information, so when you must visit an unknown site use that until you can trust or verify the source of the site.
3. Restore Any Files Or Data You Removed Before Travel.
Hopefully, before you traveled, you cleared any unnecessary files, data, and applications that you would not need while traveling. A big one for me is the outlook for my work email. Do you need an outlook on your computer while you are traveling? For any important emails you must answer (even though you should be relaxing while one vacation!) you can always check them through the browser. If you did remove things, now is the time to restore them on your device. As you are restoring them, this is also a good time to decide if you need them on your device or if you can just keep them backed up in the cloud or other secure storage device. The more you keep easily accessible on your devices, the more you stand to lose in a data breach.
4. Review Your Bank Statements.
Every Time you use your credit card you are exposed to identity theft. In some countries, where credit card security is not as stringent, people are more prone to identity theft. While on vacation, initial access to your information or data may have occurred so keep an eye out on your bank statements and make sure things match up to your actual spending. Theft can occur months after your trip, especially if you did not change your passwords or notify your bank of your return. The sooner you realize the breach the easier it is to fix. I once had a recurring charge on my card for 7 dollars a month. Because it was a small amount, it took me a while to realize and when I finally traced the charges, I came to realize it was something I signed up for on vacation as a one-time charge, but I was charged monthly. I could not get my money back and ended up losing over a hundred dollars for no reason. I was lucky, it could have been a lot worse!
5. Continue to Practice Good Digital Security Practices
Let’s face it, digital security is becoming a part of our everyday lives. I work in the security industry and my google news feeds pushes news related to cybersecurity every day. I was shocked to find out that on average, the FBI receives more than 300,000 cyber crime related complaints a year. You can not go around thinking “it won’t happen to me”. The more devices we accept into our lives that connect to the internet or other devices, the more vulnerabilities are present. Think about how many devices are in your house now. iPads, Phones, Smart TVs, Alexa, wireless cameras, Smart thermostats, and even video camera doorbells that sync to your phone. Each of these comes with their own vulnerabilities so please remember to practice good digital security in your everyday lives, not just when you travel.
Personal Security Tips 1. Check-in with your friends and family.
It might not sound important but if you told your family and friends that you were traveling then you should let them know you made it home ok. I know when I get home from a long trip, the last thing I want to do is to talk to my friends and family because they are going to want to hear the details of how things went, but there can be a simpler way to do it. With all the forms of communication today, you can send one message to everyone saying you have made it home safely and that you will provide them with the details soon. Then both you and them can get some rest.
2. Medical Check-up
Medical issues do not stop the second you get home. Some illnesses take time to manifest. Imagine if you traveled to Wuhan, China in the past month, I bet it would be a huge concern right now with the spread of the coronavirus, but there are other more common diseases that you could be infected with that you do not notice until you are home. Pay attention to any symptoms you notice, including exhaustion, and if they persist get checked out by a doctor. When you visit the doctor, make sure you let them know when and where you traveled along with any symptoms you have been feeling. The more information you give them the better. Malaria takes 10-14 days to manifest and if the doctor does not know you were in a malaria-prone location, they could misdiagnose and treat you for something that you do not have, further delaying proper treatment. Also, don’t be afraid to insist on tests or get a second opinion if you have a feeling something is wrong. Following a trip to South Sudan, I started to feel joint pains, had a headache and felt like I was hungover but had nothing to drink the night before so I thought I had malaria. By this point, I had experienced and been treated for malaria two times before, so I knew what to look out for. While back in the USA, I went to a tropical medicine specialist and they didn’t believe I had malaria because it is not common, but I made them do the test and not only did I have Malaria but I had a bad case. If I didn’t fight for myself, I could have gotten a lot sicker. As it turns out, I was the first real malaria case the doctor had ever seen, besides in medical school.
3. After Action Review
An After Action Review is a military term and process, but the point is that you should have some sort of review process following your trip so that you can think about some of the negative aspects of the trip and analyze why they happened and how you can do things differently for the next trip. This process does not have to be complicated or formal, but when you identify something you want to do differently, you should have a way to ensure you implement it for your next trip.
4. Continue to Practice Good Personal Security Practices.
Just because your trip is over, does not mean you stop implementing good personal security practices. Personal security awareness is something that is valuable in your daily life and should be practiced. Most, if not all of the tips I have shared with you over the past 4 weeks are relevant to your daily lives; traveling to and from your place of work, school, or in your daily activities. It is not like a light switch where you can turn it on or off, your mind must use it or lose the ability to pick up on the subtle cues that are around us every day. You
5. Start Planning Your Next Vacation.
You might ask yourself what planning your next trip has to do with security, but the earlier you start planning, the better prepared you will be for that trip from a security standpoint. It also helps reduce post-vacation blues. If you did your after-action review and picked up on a few things to do better on the next trip, start there and plan how you can implement these changes on your next trip…even if you do not know when or where that trip will be. Last time I went on a business trip, I forgot to pack my computer charger! When I returned, I created a packing checklist of things I need to pack for work trips and things I wish I had. I also took note of things I packed that I didn’t need and are a waste of space even though my justification for taking them for the trip was “just in case.” Remember, we are all human and make mistakes but remember to always learn from those mistakes so you can do better in the future
Thank you for taking the time to read my 2020 travel tips. If you didn’t get a chance to read each installment, go back and read the other 3 before you travel. Here’s to safe travels in 2020!
We’re back this week with 10 more personal and digital security tips for you to implement into your regular travel routine. These tips are not only good if you are traveling to a foreign country, but can be implemented into your daily routines.
Personal Security Tips 1. Awareness.
If you’re like me, when you are on vacation, all you want to do is zone out and relax; but you still have to stay aware of your surroundings. A good technique I like to use is to just stop and people watch for 5 minutes. You would be amazed at the things you notice when you get off your phone and watch for 5 minutes. Go to a park, stop at a cafe, or sit in the lobby of your hotel for 5 minutes and become aware of your surroundings. This short technique will help keep you safe the entire day, as your mind will readjust to the local surroundings, helping you pay attention to the flow of the environment. Criminals are looking for easy targets and by being aware of your surroundings you will be less of a target.
2. Information Security.
It is exciting to land, get into a taxi and begin telling the driver about all of your plans, or even sitting at a cafe, talking to your loved ones on the phone, about the travel plans, but you need to be conscious of who is around and listening. There is a saying in the military that ‘loose lips, sink’s ships’ and it refers to talking around others that listen. It is ok to ask for advice, but limit the information you provide and keep small talk to generalities instead of personal information. Hopefully, you have been paying attention and you are not using a random taxi, but even a trusted taxi could share your information with someone else.
3. Get a Local Phone Number.
Communication is the key to personal security. In many countries, you can get a local sim card from the airport and it is oftentimes inexpensive. By getting a local sim card, you are greatly increasing the likelihood of being able to communicate well in the event of an emergency. An international plan is good as a backup, but there are very few times an international phone line will work better than a local sim. More often than not, your international sim will not have a signal, while the local phone will. Older phones which are not smartphones are the best, easiest phones to carry around while traveling. The batteries last for days instead of hours so if you are in a location where the power is not consistent, you are still ok. Additionally, older phones are also less attractive to thieves so leave your smartphone secure in your bag and use the local number instead.
4. Don’t Assume.
Don’t assume. Assuming can get you a lot of trouble and result in inconvenience. There are many places in the world that businesses are closed on Sundays. Yes, your international brand hotel will likely be serving food, but a lot of other services and attractions may be closed. I want to make this point and hope it hits home that assumptions are based on local knowledge, experience and the information you have gained. When you are traveling to a foreign location, your level of knowledge is likely to be reduced and by assuming you are inherently making a decision based on limited knowledge. If you do not know or are unsure – ASK.
5. Respect the local CULTURE!
Every society has good, bad, and strange elements of their culture. It is not your right as a tourist to come in and try to change things, rather, you should acknowledge and respect those differences in culture and even try to learn from them. I am not saying you have to participate in the various cultural activities that make you uncomfortable, but from a security standpoint, by disrespecting someone’s culture, you can find yourself in conflict pretty quickly, especially if alcohol is involved. As an avid traveler, I find it difficult to understand why someone would disrespect someone for a simple reason of doing something different.
Digital Security Tips 1. Avoid or limit Bluetooth use.
Bluetooth on your devices is a convenience but also can be a vulnerability. It is likely that your device is set to scan for open Bluetooth connections in the vicinity even if you have the automatic connection setting disabled. That makes you vulnerable. Bluetooth scans are the gateway that hackers are waiting for. It’s better to disable the Bluetooth completely until you get back home or are in a trusted location such as your hotel room.
2. Use Prepaid credit cards.
Using credit cards while traveling might be the opposite of what you have been told in the past. There is a chance that they can put you at higher risk, but there are also many control measures with most credit cards, unlike cash. Always take the time to notify your credit card company you are traveling so they can put certain restrictions on the card, and monitor it for unusual activity. An even more secure option is to get prepaid credit cards. I say cards plural because it not only ensures that you have a credit card that is accepted i.e. American Express, MasterCard and Visa but also protects you if you lose a card or it is stolen. If you have a $1,000 USD planned for your spending money while on vacation, then you can split that money between several prepaid cards, and keep some as cash (in the event cards are not taken where you are). Prepaid cards also reduce the chance of you being a victim of identity theft.
3. Don’t use public computers.
Where possible, avoid public computers. I understand there are times you don’t travel with your computer on vacation so limit the use of public computers and use the business center in major hotels instead. It is common for people to fall victim to identity theft or have their accounts hacked after visiting an internet cafe. Keystroke loggers or other system surveillance is easy to set up on public computers and can record everything you type, including your passwords. In some cases, there is no way for you to tell if one of these software programs is being used unless you are the administrator, so the best bet is to just avoid unknown or trusted computers.
4. Use Caution When Printing Documents
There will be times during your travels where you will need to print a document, ticket, itinerary or directions and there is no convenient place to do it. As I mentioned above, stay away from public computers, and this goes for printers at an internet cafe as well. Instead, use the business center at a major hotel. Use a media stick or thumb drive to transfer to the printer instead of emailing it to a print. Most printers have a slot where you can insert and print directly from the media stick, this prevents the information from being stored or shared with others. Remember once you are done printing, always check the printer tray to make sure all your documents have been collected. I can’t even count how many times, I have gone to a printer and found copies of emails, flight tickets, or hotel reservations left sitting in the tray because copies were left behind.
5. Use Encryption
Even by taking all of the security precautions mentioned, you could still end up with your device stolen or lost and if you are like me, the information on your phone, such as the photos from your trip, is more valuable than the phone itself. A hacker that physically has your phone can take the time to crack the password and gain access to the phone and/or computer, so it is advisable to encrypt your devices and/or files. This way if the hacker gains access to the device, they have a useless file if it is properly encrypted. There are plenty of commercially available encryption programs out there. Some are even free and I would avoid those. As the saying goes ‘you get what you pay for’ and if it is free, then you are giving away your information for free because the encryption probably will not be as secure.
In last week’s travel tips for 2020, I shared 10 important pieces of advice to help you prepare for your trip. This week, I will introduce 10 more personal and digital security tips for you to implement into your travel routine. I will focus on things you should do during your travels to help ensure your safety during your trip. If you didn’t take the time to implement some safety and security procedures before your travels, don’t fret, it’s not too late to take on some new safety practices to protect yourself during your travels
Personal Security Tips 1. Travel Bags.
Having a good travel bag is essential to personal security. For you fashionistas out there, this does not mean sacrificing style for security. There are more and more stylish bags coming out that have security features such as RFID blockers which prevent people from taking your credit card information, slash-proof straps, and locking zippers is great but really at least having a bag with a sturdy zipper and the capability of cross-body carrying, will reduce the chance of someone snatching your bag and running. There is a fine balance between a secure bag that makes you stand out, and a semi-secure bag, that worn properly, allows you to keep a low profile and blend in.
Fun Fact: If you are one of those guys that enjoy wearing a fanny pack, but you worry that they are not yet a hometown trend, then you should travel to Cuba. When I traveled there, I felt like 4 out 5 guys were wearing fanny packs.
2. Emergency Cash/ Dummy Wallet.
When you are traveling, you should always keep aside a small amount of spending cash in a different location than your main stash of money, ID cards, and passport. By splitting up your money, and valuables, you reduce the risk of losing everything. Pickpockets watch people in order to learn where they keep their money so it is easier to take. For example, in a busy train station, a pickpocket would watch the coffee shop where there is a high volume of foot traffic and look for an easy target as people are paying for their coffee. A lady that just throws her wallet in the top of her purse and does not take the time to zip it up or the father trying to get a cup of coffee while pushing a stroller and trying to wrangle a rambunctious 3-year-old who just leaves his wallet on the top of the stroller are easy targets. Yes, I’m describing traveling with my family! With the demands of life, it is hard to be security-minded at all times but if you make a plan and split up your valuables before you go out, even if your wallet gets stolen while you chase your son through Dubai airport, all is not lost.
In case you get mugged – and hopefully, that won’t be the case – you could consider keeping an extra, fake wallet around, with just a bit of cash and 2-3 business cards or similar inconsequential items. This way, you can just hand over the fake wallet and keep the real one hidden deeper under your clothing.
Besides money, the trouble with wallets getting stolen is that you also lose hard to replace items like credit cards and travel documents. It’s best to avoid the hassle simply by outsmarting the thieves with a fake wallet, even if (hopefully) you never get the chance to use it.
3. Keep a low profile; Don’t be that annoying tourist.
Tourist areas are a criminal’s playground because they know that there will be crowds of people out of their element and too busy to notice their personal items getting stolen until it is too late. They are able to pick out easy victims because most tourists stand out. International travelers are often easier to spot because they walk around wearing their brand-new travel clothes, a camera around their neck, an overstuffed backpack, and travel book in hand. Pick an outfit that is neutral and not flashy, something that fits with the type of travel you are going to be doing. If you are going to be in a city seeing sites, do you really need those fancy hiking boots? Try not to wear brand new, designer clothes, unless you are going to a city like New York City where you will fit in. As a female, you also have to be sure you are dressing appropriately for that country’s culture, some countries, wearing inappropriate clothes is a sign of disrespect and also can be a punishable offense. By doing your research ahead of time, you can pack clothes that will help you to better fit in and not be a target.
4. Use reputable transportation.
Have you ever traveled to a new country and walked out of the airport having no idea how far you are going or much it should cost to get from the airport to your hotel? If you only remember one of these tips, this one is the most important. Road traffic incidents are the leading cause of death during travel. With road travel likely being the most dangerous part of your trip, why take additional risks by taking random taxis that are likely unregistered and unsafe? If you do not know how to find a trusted taxi, then it is best to use the hotel recommended taxis. Many countries also have an Uber-like service. If you are traveling to #ethiopia, they don’t have Uber but they have a taxi-hailing and booking platform called ‘RIDE Passenger ET’.These apps are usually pretty reliable and safe, just make sure the driver details match the vehicle upon pick up.
5. Leverage Technology
As the world becomes digital you have to leverage the technology, not become reliant on it. There are several ways to leverage technology through phone applications such as maps, translation, taxi, and tracking. A great way to comfort your loved ones, while also providing a way to locate your phone if stolen are tracking applications. As mentioned in my last post, iPhones have a built-in feature called ‘Find my’ that you can use to track your phone if lost or stolen, but it can also send location updates to your contacts and loved ones. One of my favorite apps that I use when traveling is google translate. It works well and has helped me to relate more with the local community by learning how to say things and trying it while ordering food or more, often beer. It also has a photo feature where the camera scans text and translates. This helped my wife and I while in Japan when we needed to find medicine for our 6-month-old baby and could not read the labels. We were not sure of the correct dosage and it really saved the day.
Digital Security Tips 1. Use a VPN.
Some of you might be asking yourself what is a ‘VPN’? and that is ok. For most people, a VPN is not required in your day to day life. But when you travel, especially to a foreign country a VPN is essential. VPN stands for virtual private network and creates a secure ‘tunnel’ or channel between two or more devices, cutting out snooping, interference and censorship. This still probably does not mean much, but when you connect to the internet at a hotel, you are likely going through their server and they are usually keeping a log of every connection that server makes, meaning the hotel’s server is keeping track of your activity. This includes the time you logged in and out of the internet, your name or ID number which is assigned by the server, and your room number. Even if you delete your personal log on your browser it is irrelevant to the server, all your entries are logged into the server database. This goes for public Wi-Fi as well. So, by using a VPN you can help to secure your online traffic and identity.
Fun Fact: Ever try to watch Netflix in another country and you can’t access your normal shows? With a VPN, you can connect to Netflix like you are sitting at home, on your couch. Another neat trick, VPNs allow is to choose which server you use, this means your digital footprint can appear like you are sitting at home, even though you are traveling.
2. Don’t use unknown cables or media sticks.
Most of us know that if you borrow a media stick, also known as a thumb drive or flash drive, that the chances of getting a virus are higher, but did you know that charging cables can also be infected with malware or viruses and when you go to charge your phone it gets infected? I did not know that, until recently. Avoid using free charging stations, even at the airport and do not borrow chargers from unknown sources. A technique that is becoming popular is leaving a perfectly good charger in a public place that is affected with malware in hopes that someone will use it, then the criminal will have access to that individual device and can use it for malicious purposes such as identity theft. The good thing is that this is easy to mitigate against; you bring your own cable and power bank. You can charge your power bank without concern unless of course it also acts as a memory bank as well, but most do not. You get what you pay for, so the next time you go to buy a new charger, don’t purchase off-brand, weird cables from unverified sources or you could end up buying an affected cable.
3. Don’t accept software, updates, downloads or patches.
Unless your company IT requests you to do an update while traveling or you are traveling for an extended period of time. You should wait until you are back home to do any updates, software downloads or patches to your computer or phone. Not only will this open you up to digital security vulnerabilities but also it can be a grave inconvenience when something goes wrong. Some applications and software are programmed differently for different countries so if you are using a program that you downloaded in the USA, and you want to perform an update or patch while overseas, it might not match up perfectly and cause bugs in the program. It can also create further vulnerabilities that hackers can take advantage of. If you cannot wait until you are home or you are traveling for an extended period of time and you must do that update or download, use a VPN and select a server that is in your home country.
4. Practice Safe Web Browsing.
The digital world can be a dangerous place if you do not take safety precautions. You normally would not walk through a neighborhood if you knew it was dangerous or unfamiliar, so do not visit dangerous neighborhoods online. Some might ask, but how do you know what is safe and what is unsafe? and that is a good question. On the internet, it can be hard to tell what is safe and what is unsafe. So unless you are IT expert, just follow some simple guidelines such as not sharing your personal information, use a VPN, use strong passwords (and change them!!!), use HTTPS sites, avoid public Wi-Fi spots, and ensure your web browser is up-to-date before you travel. If you are unsure of a website or a link, do not go to it, and again, never enter personal information unless it is a trusted website.
5. Careful what you post on Social Media.
The dangers of travel are not always obvious or direct. I spoke last week about turning off geo-tagging on your photos or you could come home to find your house burglarized, but you also need to be cognizant about what you are posting while you are traveling. The laws in other countries may be different from those in the USA and you need to be aware of what they are so that you do not inadvertently violate them. For example, in Dubai, if you post a picture of someone without getting their permission it can be a punishable offense including jail time of up to 6 months and a fine of the equivalent of $40,000 USD. In some countries, if you post negative comments about the government, you can end up being detained for months. Some might argue that it is uncommon for the laws to be enforced, but it is nonetheless the law and there are cases of foreigners being arrested and deported for such offenses. Point is that if you are traveling to a foreign country, you must follow that country’s laws, even when it comes to freedom of speech.
As we round up for the week, I hope these tips make sense and are relevant to your travel needs. I will post more tips next week, but in the meantime, if you are planning a trip to East Africa give me a shout for local travel advice or further security needs.
It has been 20 years since I graduated high school and since then, I have been fortunate enough to travel to over 50 countries, for both work and pleasure. Currently, I am living abroad with my family in Kenya, where I run a security company dedicated to building the capacity of female security professionals. While living and working overseas, I have learned a lot about security challenges you can face while traveling. I have learned that bad things can happen to anyone at any time and you need to be prepared. In Ethiopia several years back, my wife and I were walking in Addis when a group of teenage boys approached us pretending to offer something to sell us because we had done our research, we knew that pickpocketing was a big problem in the tourist areas and to watch out for the street boys. I was alert and I immediately noticed as one of the boys tried to reach into my pocket as the others were attempting to distract me. Had I not done my research and known about that common scam, I probably would have fallen victim and lost my wallet or even worse, my passport.
This is the first of a four-part series on personal and digital security, dedicated to your travels for the year 2020. Over the four articles, I will share with you 20 personal security tips and 20 digital security tips I have used during my travels, to help keep you secure during your travels. Some of these tips might seem like common sense, but is common sense really common? I urge you to put these into practice where they fit with your lifestyle and needs. Hit me up with your Travel Security Tips so I can add them to the follow-up articles.
So let’s get to it! Here are 10 tips on what to focus on before you travel, to reduce the chances of putting yourself in a vulnerable situation.
Personal Security Tips 1. Do your Research, Create a Plan, Tell a Friend.
Traveling can be an enjoyable experience, but something as simple as a pickpocketer could ruin your whole trip if something of value, like your passport, is stolen. You should take a few hours doing research prior to your trip and find out the local security situation, emergency services numbers, nearest hospitals (Do they take your insurance? Do you have an international travel insurance plan? Or will you have to pay cash?), and the location and contact of the nearest Embassy from your home country when traveling internationally. Put all of this information together and save it in the cloud, email it to yourself, and share it with a friend or family member along with all of your other travel details such as flight details, hotels, and copies of your passport and visas. Getting a visa on arrival? Then snap a photo of the visa once you get it and email it along with a short check-in message to let people know you have arrived safely. For U.S. citizens traveling internationally, a great tool for research is the State Department’s website where you can find Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings. You should also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so you can get local travel advisories and ensure the nearest U.S. Embassy is aware you are in the country in the event of a major crisis.
2. Pre-Travel Medical Check.
Let’s face it traveling can be stressful and puts a strain on your body so you are more susceptible to illness. Traveling to foreign countries also introduces your body to new types of illnesses and diseases that your body is not used to. By getting a pre-travel medical checkup, the doctor will not only ensure you are healthy enough to travel but also advise you on the necessary vaccinations you will require before traveling. If in doubt, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for up-to-date information on current health issues in the country or countries you are planning to visit. Some countries, including Kenya, require certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before being allowed to enter. Be sure to check vaccination requirements early, as some vaccinations you will need to get several weeks prior to travel to be effective. The CDC recommends seeing your healthcare provider 4-6 weeks prior to your trip. If you regularly take medication, it is always best to bring it with you when traveling. Your doctor should also issue you a prescription for any medications that you require in case something happens to the medication you travel with. Be sure to check the local laws in the country you are visiting, including any country you are transiting through, as each country has its own guidelines about which medicines are legal.
3. Know the local security issues and protect yourself.
When I think of knowing the local situation, it makes me think of a slogan from my favorite cartoon growing up, G.I. Joe. At the end of each episode, he says “And knowing is half the battle!”. If you don’t know the treats, how can you protect yourself? Being naive does not prevent you from getting robbed, or worse. A good place to start your research into the local areas is the U.S. State Department’s website. Additionally, you should look for more localized information by looking up some travel blogs for that area where previous travelers talk about their experiences.
The information you learn should be a driving influence into your travel decision, from where you stay and eat to what you pack. You can also learn about what to do while you are there!
4. Pick the ‘Right’ hotel.
Selecting the ‘right’ accommodation is difficult for most travelers. It’s often a delicate balance between price and convenience. Security is often an afterthought or not a thought at all. Staying at a secure hotel is not enough these days unless it is an all-inclusive resort and you are not planning on leaving the premises. You also need to make sure that the accommodation you select is right for your travel requirements. Is the accommodation in a good location for transportation? Is it near to where you are visiting? Will you stand out by staying there? The use of Airbnb is gaining popularity across the globe and it is often a cheaper option than staying at hotels, but is it more secure? You have to look at the location in reference to what activities you have planned; can you easily get transportation from that location? You need an understanding of whether staying there will make you stand-out, and the crime in the area. Whether a hotel, Airbnb, or local guest house, make sure to include the security of the hotel and surrounding areas as part of your selection criteria.
5. Transfer the Risk to Travel Insurance.
Shit happens and the best-laid plans get messed up so transfer the risk to travel insurance. Travel insurance is not only for medical purposes, but can also cover the loss or damage of your valuables. There are a lot of travel insurance companies out there, so look for one that will cover both medical and your valuables to save money. Also, be sure to check and see if your credit card offers travel insurance. It may be a benefit you don’t even know you have! You may think that travel insurance is not worth the fee I can tell you
Digital Security Tips 1. Update your Devices.
Yes, it is sometimes annoying to update your computer because it takes time and sometimes your third-party applications won’t function the same, but you should install the most current updates and patches for your devices, especially before traveling. By not installing the most current updates, it could keep the door open for hackers to access your private information, putting you at risk for identity theft, loss of money, credit, and more. These updates contain important updates that improve not only the performance and stability of your devices but also the security of the applications you run. By installing them you help to ensure that your devices run safely and efficiently.
2. Backup your devices and remove unnecessary files.
If you are like me, you probably have limited space on your phone because you have too many photos and videos saved. Take the time to backup up your device and delete what you don’t need before the trip. Since most of us use our phones as our primary camera, you will need this extra space to take the photos during your travels. By deleting the unnecessary apps and files, if your device is stolen there will be less of your personal data lost. Though time-consuming, you should also do this with your computer.
3. Use Find my…
Most devices, including computers, are capable of tracking and remote disabling. Though these do require a data connection to work, these apps should be activated before you travel. If the device connects to Wi-Fi, it will update its location and if you previously activated the secure device feature, you can lock and/or remotely wipe the device once a connection is established. For Apple users the ‘Find my iPhone’ works on all Apple devices, including Macbooks. For Android users, check out the Google ‘Find my Device’ app on the Google Play store. Both of these are free to use and work relatively well.
If your device is stolen, I do not recommend using these features to track down the thief. You could put yourself into more danger. Your life is worth more than your device. I recommend turning the information over to the police when you file the report and let them follow up with the case.
4. Logout from all locations and change your passwords.
We are creatures of comfort, so many of us have our devices set to auto-login for our most used sites and email. Before you travel, you should log out of all of your applications, websites, and email accounts. You can set a temporary password to use for the trip, or change the password for this trip. Remember to use a strong password that is not easy to hack. A strong password should be at least six characters long consisting of letters (remember letters are normally case sensitive, so having both uppercase and lowercase increases the strength), numbers, and symbols.
5. Turn off Geo-tagging on Social Media
There is nothing worse than getting off a 12-hour flight after a fabulous trip, only to find out that your house was burglarized while you were gone. If you are the social media type and like to post photos of your life, beware that criminals are now using social media to know when people are more likely to be away so they can break into your house while away. Geo-tagging will tell that criminal that you are away and that your house is empty. You should also avoid posting any other sensitive information such as your dates of travel in your posts. Check out one of my favorite Youtube stars, Jack Vale, he uses geotagged social media accounts to find people and prank them using the information found online!
As we round up for the week, I bet you thought I was going to provide a packing list of things to bring like [insert paid advertisement], but I don’t have any and I am doing this because I really do feel bad for those in-experienced travelers that keep getting their passports taken because they ‘didn’t know’, but now you do ‘and knowing is ½ the battle’ 😉 right?
As you prepare for your 2020 adventures, I hope these tips make sense to you and are relevant to your travel needs. I will post the next article on the 8th of January, but in the meantime, if you are planning a trip to East Africa give me a shout out for any local travel advice or further security needs you may have!
