Securing Your Internet Connection

A brief explanation of how a VPN works

I have been reading a lot about how our internet connections are not safe.  Governments, thieves, criminals, and hackers are targeting business travelers more and more.  Your need to take protection of your own data and that of your company seriously.  To that end, a while back I started researching actions that I can take to for protection.  Instead of abandoning hotel and other WiFi connections that I (along with many other road warriors depend on), I decided to start my research machine.  I will "bottom line" my findings for you.

Travelers should get try to access the WiFi connections through a Virtual Private Network (VPN).  The picture above gives a brief explanation of how one accesses the internet with and without a VPN.  Essentially, your data being transmitted has the potential to be interceptedand that chance is lessened using a VPN.  

There are free VPN options and paid.  My research shows you get what you pay for in this arena.  I decided to purchase a subscription to Private Internet Access.  It is about $40 per year and provides you apps for your smartphone and tablets and easily installed programs on your Mac and PC.  One subcription will cover your phones/tablets and computer.  I highly recommend that you get a VPN right away.

Gadget Alert: Plastc Card

As you all know by now, I love things that help ease traveling.  For efficiency purposes and for having the fewest things to carry/keep track of, I try to travel with the fewest things possible.  One area that can be difficult to do this with is credit cards/atm cards.  If you are a business traveler, you probably have your cards you need for business and also personal ones as well.  That, of course, adds bulk to a wallet/purse.

A while back I pre-purchased a one card that will carry all my cards in it.  It works with both the contactless NFC, EMV chip and magnetic strip.  It is pass code protected.  I am excited that they will start shipping in a few months.

List of Cards that Pastc Card will support

I think you will agree if you watch the video, this will be a "go to" for the savvy business traveler.  I just don't use Apple Pay because I don't find a lot of places that accept it but everyone will accept this as it is the same as all your cards.

The pre-launch cost is $155 (and it will be $180 retail after it launches) but I do have a referral code that provides you a $20 discount (note: it also does give me a $20 Amazon Card if you use this discount code).  DISCOUNT LINK HERE.