“Cybersecurity: The Unseen Menace Dominating Our Future in 2025”

Forget about pickpockets and misplaced luggage. The greatest hazard to your upcoming getaway could be lurking online.

“Anyone can become a possible target,” cautions Seth Ruden, head of global advisory at BioCatch, a company specializing in biometrics. “However, frequent travelers are more likely to be targets, as travel rewards, airline miles, and other stored payment information on travel accounts can be appealing and easily converted into cash.”

Consumers are increasingly concerned about cybersecurity. Indeed, a recent investigation by Travelers Insurance discovered that 62 percent of participants were anxious about online safety — the highest rate in over a decade. (Travelers surveyed business owners, but additional studies indicate that their worries are similarly widespread.)

What are the cyber hazards for travelers in 2025?

A variety of cyber threats confront travelers, ranging from phishing schemes aimed at stealing personal data to counterfeit travel websites and rental advertisements that can leave victims stranded and financially exploited. According to Check Point Research, a cybersecurity organization, in 2024, 1 in every 33 newly registered vacation-related domains were either malicious or dubious. This classification encompassed phishing websites that mimic Booking.com, Kayak, and other widely-used travel platforms, as reported by the company.

“Cybercriminals now possess the skills to identify and target mobile devices, deliver harmful software to the device, track your location, activate the device’s microphone, and intercept communications,” states Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. “Implementing cybersecurity strategies that prioritize risk reduction is vital for safeguarding travelers and their information.”

Abhishek Karnik, head of threat analysis at McAfee, remarks that travelers are especially susceptible in two scenarios: when making bookings and while traveling.

“Travelers must remain alert,” he advises.

But how can they do that?

Maintain good online hygiene

As technology continues to weave itself into our travel routines, the threat of cyber-attacks during online bookings or when accessing unsecured networks in foreign lands is a genuine worry.

Peter Hamdy, managing director at Auckland & Beyond Tours, emphasizes the need for vigilance in 2025.

“Based on my extensive experience in the travel sector, I can assert that one of the foremost dangers will likely be the continually evolving realm of cybersecurity threats,” he notes.

Thus, enhance your online hygiene — which means frequently changing your passwords, activating two-factor authentication, avoiding suspicious links, and never disclosing your passwords or access codes to any third party. You can also utilize a travel insurance application for added security.

Utilize a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can enhance your safety, asserts Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.

“Travelers are always seeking free Wi-Fi, but many of the public networks they might connect to are not secure and expose your personal information to danger,” he clarifies. “I constantly advise travelers to employ a VPN to safeguard their phones or laptops when utilizing public Wi-Fi.”

Be cautious about whom you trust

One of the most prevalent tactics in social engineering while traveling is the impersonation scam. Attackers may act as hotel personnel, tour guides, or neighboring travelers to access personal information on your devices, according to Karnik, the McAfee security specialist.

“Always confirm the identity of individuals before divulging any confidential information or handing over personal items,” he adds.

Monitor for

phishing

Phishing — dispatching emails that imitate a reputable organization to persuade you into surrendering personal details — is becoming increasingly intricate.

“Travel presents a prime opportunity for a deceptive campaign,” cautions Rishika Desai, a threat analyst at the predictive security company BforeAI. “Numerous individuals are searching for discounts during a period when prices are exceptionally elevated. Moreover, cybercriminals are mimicking renowned, legitimate brands.”

The remedy? Never click on an email or follow a link from an unfamiliar source. Always visit the company’s website directly to confirm any travel deals.

Beware of AI

Artificial intelligence has equipped cybercriminals with the tools necessary to deceive even the most discerning traveler.

“AI can create convincing websites, formulate more natural-sounding language, and even produce fraudulent reviews,” states Cache Merrill, CEO of Zibtek, a software development company. “Everything appears far more credible with AI-enhanced technology, leading individuals to fall victim.”

Despite AI making it increasingly difficult for travelers to differentiate between authentic offers and scams, artificial intelligence is not infallible. With some practice, you can identify AI-generated text, images, videos — and phony travel promotions. Alternatively, you can take a shortcut: If an online deal appears too appealing to be genuine, it likely is.

Do this one thing to safeguard yourself online

The optimal advice might be to leave nothing to luck. Regrettably, travelers are merely improvising, as per recent findings. Approximately two in ten business travelers claim they are required to participate in a training course on enhancing cybersecurity, according to a recent survey by Opinium Research.

“Conduct your research and ensure you have a strategy in place for any potential issues that may arise,” advises John Gobbels, chief operating officer of air medical transport and travel security initiative Medjet. “It’s invariably more stressful during the moment, and simpler if you have procedures or contingency plans established.”

There is also cybersecurity assistance, which safeguards travelers against unexpected circumstances. For example, BOXX Insurance and World Travel Protection have recently introduced cybersecurity assistance for business travelers that monitors evolving digital threats and assists them in predicting and averting possible risks and scams. This type of support may soon extend to leisure travelers as well.

The fundamental principle of travel has always been to anticipate the unexpected. For 2025, that involves preparing for the escalating threat of cybercrime. By doing so, you can ensure that your journeys are characterized by delightful discoveries — not digital debacles.

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