Last year, San Diego welcomed 32 million visitors. Tourism generated over $1 billion in tax revenue, employing 13% of the local workforce, and contributed over $23 billion to the local economy.
Attracted by the great weather, scenic views, great food, friendly people and world-class attractions, America's Finest City is a great place to live and a big draw for vacationers and business travelers alike. Without a doubt, tourism is a major driver for the San Diego economy.
At ICE, we look beyond the attractions and beneath the economic impact and see a treasure trove of data that must be protected.
When a traveler visits our city, they trust the city, the businesses and organizations with their data. From the personal information collected by the hotels, to the payment information used to visit attractions like Sea World San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park, down to the location and internet search data that drive your yelp results, travelers trust us with their digital lives.
These "digital footprints" leave a trail, much like walking on the beach. However, unlike footprints on a beach, digital footprints often become the "digital forever more".
It is with this in mind that ICE Cybersecurity organized a recent CFO Lunch & Explore hosted by the San Diego Tourism Authority. Brining together business leaders in San Diego is an important part of this community as is bringing awareness of cybersecurity issues and protection.
Learn how San Diego is leveraging smart tourism strategy and regional strength to lead the future of travel and events — read the full story here.
With so much going on and being in the height of the tourist season in San Diego, it is important to keep an eye on cyber protection while focused on the beach, sun and water.
10 Essential Cybersecurity Travel Tips to Protect Your Personal Data on Vacation
When traveling, especially during high-traffic seasons like summer in San Diego, your digital safety should be just as important as sunscreen and beach towels. Below are 10 essential cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe while on vacation — whether you’re checking into a hotel, streaming Netflix, or using public Wi-Fi at a café.
As a reminder, when you travel, here are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your data:
1. Keep All Software and Devices Updated
Before you travel, make sure your smartphone, laptop, tablet, and smartwatches are running the latest software updates. These updates often include critical security patches that protect against newly discovered threats. Don’t forget apps, browsers, and antivirus programs — outdated versions can become easy targets for hackers.
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and PINs
Avoid using simple or reused passwords across your accounts. Instead, create strong, unique passwords for every login — ideally using a password manager to store them securely. Activate biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) or a strong PIN on your devices to protect against unauthorized access if lost or stolen.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Sensitive Accounts
MFA adds a second layer of security beyond just your password. Whether it's a text code, authentication app, or biometric scan, this simple step can drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your email, banking, and cloud storage accounts — especially important when you're accessing accounts on unfamiliar networks.
4. Regularly Back Up Important Data
Back up your photos, documents, and important files to secure cloud services or an external hard drive before your trip. In the event of theft, loss, or ransomware attack, a secure backup ensures you don’t lose irreplaceable data.
5. Activate 'Find My Device' or Remote Lock Features
Use services like Apple’s Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device to track your electronics in case they’re lost or stolen. You can also remotely lock or wipe your device to prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.
6. Disable Auto-Connect to Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi can be a hacker’s playground. Prevent your device from automatically connecting to open or previously used Wi-Fi networks. Always manually verify the network name with staff before connecting, and disable auto-join features in your settings.
7. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking or Shopping
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions like checking your bank account or making purchases. If you must, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data from potential eavesdroppers on shared networks.
8. Don’t Trust Public Computers or Hotel Smart TVs
Public computers in hotel lobbies, airports, or business centers may be compromised with keyloggers or malware. Avoid logging into personal accounts or entering passwords on them. Likewise, if you sign into your streaming accounts on a hotel smart TV, make sure to log out before checkout — many people forget, leaving their data exposed.
9. Be Cautious About Social Media Posting
Resist the urge to post real-time updates about your travel plans, hotel location, or when you’re away from home. Public posts can signal to bad actors that your home is unoccupied or where you are staying, making you vulnerable to both physical and digital risks.
10. Don’t Save Passwords on Shared Devices or Browsers
Avoid using the "remember me" or "save password" options in web browsers, especially when using shared or temporary devices. Also, use privacy filters or shield your screen in public to prevent password or sensitive data exposure from prying eyes.
These tips are just the beginning. In today’s connected world, digital threats evolve as quickly as the technology we use. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to cybersecurity — whether for personal travel or your organization — get in touch with the experts at ICE Cybersecurity.
We’re here to help protect what matters most, both on the ground and online.
