You hear about it more and more – computer and network security. A network breach will make the news, and the conversation about computer security comes back to the spotlight. One break of a company’s system puts millions of users’ data at risk.
Interestingly, there is more to computer and network security than that. As a traveler, you most likely utilize public networks to gain access to the internet. How often do you connect to the airport Wi-Fi while traveling, or the local coffee shop to check the internet? Those public networks typically are not secure. Although you get the same benefit as you would surfing the web at home, you do not have the password protection. As soon as you connect, all of your data and what you do on online becomes vulnerable to peering eyes and hackers.
Add one more issue to the mix – geo-restrictions on particular web services. If you travel a lot, you have probably come across a network that has blocked you from using their services due to your location. That is called geo-restriction and can be quite frustrating for travelers.
There is a solution that resolves all of these issues. It is called a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A trusted VPN source will protect your information while you are connected to a public network, as well as give you access to blocked content while traveling.
How a VPN Works
Once connected to a public network, your device sends data across the network to load what you see on your screen. However, what you don’t see is how vulnerable your data is as it travels through the network.
Think of what it feels like walking down a busy road. Every driver has clear access to what you are doing. They can follow you to your end destination and continue following you back to your home.
Now imagine there is an underground tunnel for pedestrians. Although you are still taking the same path as before, the tunnel now covers you. No commuters can see where you are going and what you are doing. You are essentially invisible.
A VPN works similarly. Without one, your data is visible to anyone peering into the network (hackers, government, anyone other than you). When you enable a VPN, it creates a tunnel for your data to flow through, just like the walking tunnel. Now your data is covered and encrypted so that outside eyes cannot see, and steal, your information.
Essential for Travelers
When linked to free Wi-Fi, you cannot guarantee the network is what it honestly says it is. Anyone can change his or her network name to whatever he or she feels like. So, say you are doing work at a Starbucks. Just because a Wi-Fi connection says Starbucks, that doesn’t mean it actually is theirs.
Public Wi-Fi has no form of authentication when establishing a connection. It is completely open and vulnerable. Once logged on, a hacker sitting right next to you can access all of the information on your device. If you like to access services like online banking, that information is detrimental if stolen.
What makes a VPN quite appealing for travelers, besides the security benefits, is getting past geo-restrictions. Many web services block people accessing their content from outside designated regions. You will find this quite often with streaming services, but regular internet websites will do this, as well. There may be many reasons behind the geo-restriction, including legality and operating costs. When you connect your VPN, it will automatically bypass the geo-restrictions and give you full access to the content.
So, if you like to travel around, whether it be for business or pleasure, you want to have a VPN with you. Protect your information from malicious attacks. Gain access to blocked content that you would otherwise not be able to use. Don’t let yourself fall into a vulnerable situation where you end up having data stolen and compromised.
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1. A different type of charging station. Ran out of battery because of your long flight? Well, you can now charge that at the airport, but first, you have to pedal! Yes, you heard that right. A recent installment at Brisbane Airport is the amazing Charge Bike - where you can both charge your phone and be fit and healthy. Go ahead and exercise your legs after sitting down for a very long time!
2. Go on a mini food binge. Go on and indulge on some food after pedaling for hours on end! Woolworths, McDonalds, and vending machines are all open 24 hours, so you would not have to worry about going hungry.
3. Relax on a massage chair. After getting your fix, head on to one of the 8 massage chairs that can be found at the International Terminal, Domestic Terminal, and Skygate area. For only $2.00 for the first four minutes and an additional $1 per minute, you will feel recharged and relaxed in no time!
4. Fill out your information details through your Digital Departure Card. Thanks to the students of the Queensland University Technology, filling out information is now easier with the Digital Departure Card. All you have to do is scan a QR code in one of the kiosks, and it’ll give you a complete card so you can move quickly through customs. Technology is pretty amazing, isn’t it?
5. Make Use of the Free WiFi and Internet. Ah, good old internet. I’m sure you are pretty thrilled to hear this, as the internet is a pretty awesome invention. You can do whatever you please: watch your favorite series on Netflix, connect to friends and family through the different social media platforms, or even watch tutorials on YouTube. The best thing about it too is that it’s free!
6. Make use of airport parking. This tip might not be for you but if you have friends in the country and they’re planning on traveling, you can advise them to drive their cars to the airport and just park their car at Brisbane Airport. It’s cheaper, safer, and less time consuming than other modes of transportation!
7. Sleep or rest at the Pay-per- use lounges. Whether you’re flying in business, first, or economy class, you can go ahead and use their pay-per- use lounges. This is especially useful for those who are looking for a place to sleep just before their connecting flights. I find it can really help with jet lag. Just pay a minimal amount, and you are good to go!
Now, you never have to get bored in Brisbane during your long haul flights. Enjoy and have a good one!