With summer upon us, you are most likely already thinking about that wonderful vacation you’re going to take abroad. And if the studies are to be believed, you are going to take your smartphone, tablet and laptop with you. According to Prosper Mobile Insights, 84.6% of those who go on vacation take their mobile devices with them to check their emails. And that raises a red flag.

Security company F-Secure warns that “if you’re always connected, you’re always at risk of some online nastiness.” If you plan on taking your mobile device with you when you go abroad, take heed to the following 5 tips to make sure you stay safe and secure.

F-Secure Vacation Tips – Connect Safely

• 1. Get your updates/patches while you’re still at home.

Do not update your smartphone, tablet or PC while you are on vacation – do this at home, on your network that you know is safe and secure. It is important to have an up-to-date operating system because a patched and updated OS offers the best protection against all sorts of security threats. On top of that, the bad guys are known to use fake updates on hotel WIFI networks to infect users with malware.

• 2. Prepare for data loss accidents

Something could go wrong and you could lose your smartphone, tablet or PC, so it’s best to prepare for such unfortunate events. Back up your important data to ensure you don’t lose it should an accident occur; install software that lets you remotely lock your mobile device, just in case you lose it or it gets stolen.

• 3. Do not use free WiFi for shopping and online banking

It is not advisable to use free WiFi or a public computer to do online shopping or for a bit of online backing. When you’re on a free, public WiFi network, you should consider yourself watched. That’s why it’s best to use a VPN service. F-Secure advises you to use encrypted WiFi with a VPN to stay safe and secure. The company also advises to use direct DSL or cable connection whenever possible.

• 4. Beware of unsolicited emails

If you get unsolicited email, do not click or tap on attachments or links. These links could lead to scam or malicious sites.

• 5. Don’t tell others you’re not at home

Don’t let the whole web know that you’re away on vacation because you’re also letting everyone know that you’re not home. Don’t broadcast on public networks that you’re not at home or you may return home to find your stuff was stolen. Share this bit of info only with the people you trust.