Forget about the porterists and lost luggage. The greatest threat to his next vacation could be online stalking.

“Anyone can be a potential victim,” says Seth Ruden, director of Global Biocatch Advice, a biometric company. “But frequent travelers are probably goals, since travel rewards, airline miles and other payment details stored on travel accounts can be lucrative and easily monetizable.”

People are worried about cybersecurity more than ever. In fact, a recent study by traveler insurance found that 62% of respondents were concerned about online security, the highest level in 11 years. (Travelers surveyed business owners, but other surveys show that their concerns are reflected more widely).

What are cyber threats for travelers in 2025?

There are a variety of cyber threats that face travelers, from phishing scams designed to steal personal information to fake travel and rental lists that leave victims stranded and drained financially. Check Point Research, a cyber security firm, says in 2024, says that 1 in 33 newly registered vacation domains were malicious or suspicious. This category included phishing sites that imitated Booking.com, kayak and other popular travel platforms, according to the company.

“Threat actors now have the capabilities to identify and go to mobile devices, deliver malicious code to the device, access a device to track their location, activate the microphone of their device and intercept messages,” says Frank Harrison, director of security director Regional of the Americas of the World Travel Protection. “The adoption of cyber security measures that focus on risk mitigation is essential to protect travelers and their data.”

Abhishek Karnik, Head of Threat Research in McAfee, says that there are two places where travelers are particularly vulnerable: while they are reserving and while traveling.

“Travelers must remain attentive,” he says.

But how?

Practice good hygiene online

As technology continues to integrate more deeply into our travel experiences, the risk of cyber attacks while reserving online trips or accessing unusual networks in foreign countries is a real concern.

Peter Hamdy, managing director of Auckland & Beyond Tours, says you must be on guard in 2025.

“From my extensive experience in the travel industry, I can tell you that one of the most significant dangers will probably be the evolutionary panorama of cyber security threats,” he says.

Therefore, review your hygiene online, that is, change your passwords frequent . You can also use a travel insurance application to stay safe.

Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) can keep it safer, says Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance.

“Travelers are always looking for free Wi-Fi, but many of the public networks to which they could connect are not guaranteed and put their personal data at risk,” he explains. “I always recommend that travelers use a VPN to secure their portable phones or computers when using public Wi-Fi.”

Be careful who you trust

One of the most common social engineering threats while traveling is the supplant scam. Attackers can raise as hotel staff, tour guides or even travel colleagues to obtain access to personal information about their devices, according to Karnik, Mcafee’s security expert.

“Always verify the identity of people before sharing any confidential information or delivering personal belongings,” he adds.

Be attentive to phishing

Phishing, sending emails that mimic a good reputation company to induce him to resign from personal information, he is becoming much more sophisticated.

“Traveling is an excellent opportunity for a falsification campaign,” says Rishika Desai, a threat researcher of the predictive security firm BFOREAI. “Many are looking for an agreement during a time when prices are especially high. And cybercriminals are making you go through known and legitimate brands. ”

The solution? Never, click on an email and follow a link from a source that does not recognize. Always go directly to the company’s site to verify any travel offer.

Beware of AI

Artificial intelligence has given cybercriminals the tools they need to attract a quick even the most sophisticated traveler.

“The AI ​​can create convincing websites, create a more natural language and even generate false criticism,” says Cache Merrill, CEO of Zibtek, a software developer. “Everything seems much more legitimate with AI technology, and people are falling in love with it.”

Although AI is making it even more challenging for travelers to discern legitimate offers of scams, artificial intelligence is not perfect. With a little practice, you can discern text generated by AI, photos, videos and fake travel offers. Or could simply take a shortcut: if an online offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Do this one thing to protect yourself online

Perhaps the best advice is to leave anything to chance. Unfortunately, travelers are only flying, according to the latest investigation. Only about two out of 10 business travelers say they must take a training course on how to improve cybersecurity, according to a recent Survey of Opinion Research.

“Investigate and make sure you have a plan for any potential problem that may arise,” says John Gobbels, director of Operations of the Air Medical Transportation Program and Travel Security. “It is always more stressful at the time, and easier if you have backup systems or plans.”

There is also cybersecurity support, which protects travelers against unforeseen events. For example, Boxx Insurance and World Travel Protection recently launched cybersecurity assistance for business travelers that monitor emerging digital risks and helps them predict and prevent possible threats and scams. This type of support can soon be available for leisure travelers as well.

The golden rule of travel has always been to expect the unexpected. In 2025, that means anticipating and preparing for the growing threat of cybercrime. When doing that, you can make sure your adventures are defined by happy discoveries, not digital disasters.