Business travelers are a prime target for hackers, with a staggering 70 percent falling victim to cyberattacks and 24 percent experiencing multiple attacks. These figures, revealed in the’ Business Travel: A Business Issue’ survey by the German Travel Association, underscore the urgent need for improved data protection measures.
The most common precautions against cyber-attacks include encrypting sensitive data and regularly updating software on work devices. Forty-seven percent of respondents report that their employers have established relevant requirements. Training also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about cyberattack risks, with 44 percent of companies mandating regular attendance. However, there is room for improvement, as 45 percent of business travelers feel that their employers only partially inform them about potential cyber risks, and 13 percent feel they need to be more informed.
Cybercriminals frequently target business travelers due to insufficient protection of confidential data on mobile devices, so companies must take proactive measures to reduce this risk. This includes providing comprehensive training to raise employee awareness and establishing clear guidelines on how business travelers can and should protect themselves from cyberattacks. Business travel agencies are also ready to provide support in addressing this critical issue.
Public Wi-Fi networks are often victims of hackers. However, only 41 percent of companies require employees to use a VPN (virtual private network) when connecting to them. Fewer companies prohibit employees from using personal devices for work purposes—only 38 percent have such a policy. Additionally, only 36 percent of companies have rules around creating secure passwords, and just 32 percent require privacy filters.
One effective option to prevent cyberattacks is to have vigilant employees. However, business travelers do not always prioritize data protection. For instance, 37 percent frequently use VPN connections, while 34 percent only do so occasionally. Regarding setting passwords, 34 percent consistently exceed the minimum requirements, but 41 percent only do so occasionally. The situation is similar regarding shielding the screen from prying eyes in public. Thirty-three percent are frequently mindful of this, but 39 percent only do so sometimes.
