While we make our summer plans, bad actors plot their summer scams. This year, more than half (56%) of Americans plan to travel more in 2025 than they did in 2024. In 2025, 5.2 billion people are expected to fly, which is a 6.7% increase from 2024. This is a record number of travelers and the first time the annual number of airline passengers will exceed 5 billion.
According to cybersecurity company LevelBlue, in an increasingly connected world, travel relies more on technology than ever. While digital tools enhance convenience, they also create new opportunities for cyber threats. Phishing attacks and malicious links targeting mobile devices are projected to triple compared to previous years as cybercriminals exploit public Wi-Fi networks and insecure booking platforms.
Next Time You Travel, Take Cybersecurity With You
According to Frank Harrison, regional security director of the Americas at World Travel Protection, cybersecurity is the top safety threat in 2025. “Threat actors now have the capabilities to identify and target mobile devices, deliver malicious code to the device, access a device to track your location, activate your device’s microphone, and intercept messages,” he says.
“Anyone can be a potential victim,” warns Seth Ruden, director of global advisory at BioCatch, a biometric company. “But frequent travelers are likely targets, as travel rewards, airline miles, and other stored payment details on travel accounts can be lucrative and easily monetizable.”
Peter Hamdy, managing director at Auckland & Beyond Tours, says you have to be on your guard in 2025. “From my extensive experience in the travel industry, I can tell you that one of the most significant dangers will likely be the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats,” he says.
When You Pack, Add A Simple Cybersecurity Checklist
- Travel Lightly Even With Devices
- Check Your Settings
- Set Up “Find My Phone”
- Password Protect Your Devices
- Update Your Software
- Back Up Files
- Use Secure WiFi
- Think Before You Post
- Stop Auto Connecting
Read the full cybersecurity checklist here >
Make Sure Your Money Is Ready For Travel
Notify Your Credit Union or Bank: Add your financial institution and credit card company to the list of people you should notify before you travel.
Copy Important Documents: A missing wallet causes stress that doesn’t belong on vacation.
Pay Your Bills: Even though you think you’ll remember, the last thing you want to do on vacation is pay bills.
Get A Mobile Banking App: Online banking is invaluable to travelers who want to monitor and manage their accounts on vacation and to receive text alerts if your cards are experiencing unauthorized transactions so you can stop them.
Acquire Some Cash: Just in case you lose your card, it is a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Separate Your Money: Keeping all your cash, debit, and credit cards in one place is asking for trouble.
Your Money Abroad: Travel abroad is currently on the rise. Here is Rick Steves’ pretrip money checklist for travelers >
Additional Resources
- FCC: Cybersecurity Tips for International Travelers
- CISA: Cybersecurity While Traveling Tip Sheet
- ID Theft Center: Travel Safe Blog
- NerdWallet: How to Travel Safely
- Consumer Reports: What You Need to Know About Cyber Safety While Traveling
- Iris Powered by Generali: 10 Summer Vacation Identity Protection Tips
- AARP: Fraud Watch Network
- State Department: High-Risk Area Travelers
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