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Spring Break is a time to relax, explore and recharge, but it’s also a prime season for cybercriminals and financial scams. Whether you're heading to the beach, jetting overseas or enjoying a staycation, keeping your digital life and finances secure is just as important as remembering your sunscreen.

At Solvay Bank, your safety—both online and off—is our top priority. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you travel smarter, protect your devices, and keep your money safe while you enjoy your break. Here are six essential tips to help you stay secure this Spring Break.

1. Juice Jacking Awareness

Public USB charging stations could expose your device to "juice jacking," where hackers install malware to steal your data.

Stay safe by:

• Using your own charger or an AC outlet.
• Carrying an external battery.
• Choosing "charge only" if prompted.

2. Wi-Fi & VPN Safety

Don't forget to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi! Hackers can intercept your data on unsecured networks, putting your personal information at risk.

Stay safe by:

• Always using a VPN for secure connections.
• Avoiding sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi.
• Turning off Wi-Fi when you’re not using it to prevent auto-connect to unknown networks.

3. Notify Your Bank Before Traveling

Don’t forget to notify your bank! Informing them of your travel plans can help prevent your card from being flagged for suspicious activity while you’re away.

Stay safe by:

• Notifying your bank of your travel dates and destinations. Solvay Bank customers can set travel alerts and notifications directly through Cards in our mobile app!
• Carrying a backup card in case of emergencies.
• Monitoring your accounts for unusual activity.

4. Protect Your Devices with Encryption & Lock Screens

Make sure your devices are secured! If your phone or laptop gets lost or stolen, encryption and lock screens can keep your data safe from prying eyes.

Stay safe by:

• Using a strong password or biometric lock on your devices.
• Enabling full-device encryption for extra protection.
• Backing up your important data regularly.

5. Social Media Sharing Safety

Don’t overshare on social media! Posting about your trip in real-time can make you a target for cybercriminals or burglars.

Stay safe by:

• Avoiding live posts that share your exact location.
• Limiting personal details about your trip on social media.
• Checking your privacy settings to control who can see your posts

6. Traveling with Cash:

Traveling with cash is convenient, but it comes with risks! Lost or stolen cash can’t be replaced as easily as stolen cards or digital money.

Stay safe by:

• Carrying only what you need for the day.
• Using a money belt or secure pouch for storing cash.
• Keeping small amounts of cash on you, and using cards or your digital wallet for larger payments.

Your vacation should be stress-free—and that includes your online security and financial peace of mind. By following these simple steps, you can protect your devices, your data and your wallet while you enjoy your time away.