Tips for Using Your Phone in a Foreign Country

Different countries have different laws and regulations for internet safety, which may affect your access and security. 

The safest way to use your smartphone is always to use a private Wi-Fi network. However, these are often not accessible to us when we’re traveling abroad or in a public space. When you’re not connected to Wi-Fi, your smartphone will typically switch over to a 5G network. If the local carrier uses an older security protocol, you may be less secure. 

To stay safe(r) try these tips: Use a VPN (virtual private network) which encrypts your data and uses a secure server. It also hides your IP address. Costs and speeds vary while using a VPN. A hotel’s private network using a log on is probably better than your carrier. A hotel with public Wi-fi is not secure at all.  Another method is to use a local SIM card recognized by your carrier for international use. Read the terms and understand costs and time limits so you don’t get an ugly surprise on your bill. Always keep your phone/tablet secure with the latest software updates. Finally, use antivirus software on your device to watch for malware and helps to protect from malicious links. 

There is always some risk when using technology. Just be aware and use good judgment. 

From an article by Curt the Cyberguy at FoxNews.