The top 10 ways to avoid data theft while traveling and surfing the internet

If you travel frequently for business, you are probably a frequent user of internet hotspots and wi-fi networks. Hence, a recent article (Trip Tech: Is It Safe to Surf?) on Conde Nast Traveler’s Concierge.com is a must read by all frequent travelers who must surf the web while on the road.

As the article explains, there are a number of new threats out there that are aimed at harvesting personal information. Hence, nearly all security experts recommend that if you are going to surf wirelessly, then you need to use a virtual private network (VPN) which is basically a software that creates a secure, encrypted "tunnel" where information can flow securely between your computer and the Internet. Nevertheless, just using VPN software is not enough.

Hence and if you are going to surf the web on the road, be sure to keep all of the following tips in mind:

1. Use VPN software.
2. Keep your system up to date.
3. Turn off your computer's Wi-Fi when you're not using it.
4. Opt for well-known networks such as AT&T or T-Mobile whenever possible.
5. Use networks with harder-to-crack WPA security instead of WEP.
6. If you have a cellular modem, turn off your Wi-Fi.
7. When surfing, look for a lock icon in the lower-right corner of your browser or "https" in the Web address any time you send personal data online.
8. Use the Firefox browser rather than Explorer for Windows or Safari for Mac, since it has fewer security holes.
9. Make sure your computer's firewall is on (this is usually found in network settings).
10. Be wary of doing any kind of financial transaction in public.

Keeping the above tips in mind will go a long way towards ensuring that your personal data and computer remain safe from internet threats.