Holiday travel sounds simple until you mix family time, work obligations, and the constant pull of technology. For many business owners, especially those handling legal, financial, or medical data, the holidays become a risky season without them even noticing. A distracted moment, a public WiFi login, or a kid borrowing your work laptop can turn into a data breach that follows you well into the new year.

Let’s break this down. Your business carries regulated, sensitive information. If the wrong person gets access to client documents, financial records, case files, or medical notes, the consequences are serious. Cyber insurance claims get messy. Clients lose trust. And your team loses productivity when systems are compromised.

The good news is that most travel risks can be avoided with a few simple steps. Here’s a clear, Utah-Business-Owner-Focused guide to help you and your staff travel safely without adding stress.

Prep Before You Leave

A little planning goes a long way. Set aside fifteen minutes before your trip to protect your business:

Device Basics

• Install all system and security updates

• Back up important business files to secure cloud storage

• Set screen locking to a two-minute timeout

• Enable remote tracking on laptops and phones

• Pack your own chargers and adapters

• Bring a fully charged power bank

Set Expectations With Family

• Decide which devices kids can use and which are off limits

• Bring a family tablet or small laptop with no work accounts

• If needed, create a limited-access user account for shared devices

For business owners in law, finance, or healthcare, this small prep window helps protect regulated information covered by HIPAA, FINRA, SEC, or state bar requirements. Peace of mind beats scrambling after something goes wrong.

The Hidden Risks of Hotel WiFi

Hotel networks are a favorite playground for cybercriminals because hundreds of guests connect to the same system. Some attackers even set up fake networks in parking lots and broadcast "hotel_wifi" to get unsuspecting users to logon and then the attacker can capture passwords and banking details.

Here’s how to stay safe:

Verify the Network

Ask the front desk for the exact WiFi name. Never guess.

Use a VPN or SASE for Work

If you access email, case files, financial documents, or EHR systems, use a VPN or SASE. It keeps your connection private.

Use Your Hotspot for Sensitive Tasks

Any activity involving client information or finances should stay on your private phone’s cellular data rather than public WiFi.

Keep Work and Play Separate

If the kids want to stream movies on the hotel WiFi, that is fine. If you need to access sensitive business tools, use your hotspot.

When Kids Ask to Use Your Work Laptop

Most business owners carry laptops filled with confidential information. Kids, however, click things. They download apps. They ignore pop-up warnings. It is normal, but risky.

Best Practice

Say no to using your work computer. Offer a different device. PERIOD!

This one habit can prevent accidental malware infections and unauthorized access to client data.

Smart TVs, Streaming, and the Log-Out Problem

Hotel smart TVs store login information. If you forget to log out, the next guest may end up inside your Netflix account.

Safer Options

• Use your device and cast to the TV

• Set a reminder to log out before checkout

• Pre-download movies to your tablet or laptop

Never sign into anything involving finances, work files, or email on a hotel TV.

If a Device Goes Missing

Phones and laptops get forgotten in restaurants, airports, and rental cars far more often during the holidays.

What to Do Within the First Hour

• Use remote tracking to locate the device

• If you cannot recover it, lock it remotely

• Change passwords for email, remote work tools, and financial systems

• Contact your IT provider to revoke access

• Inform any affected parties if sensitive data is involved

What You Should Have Set Up Before Travel

• Remote tracking enabled

• Automatic encryption

• Strong passwords

• Remote wipe capability

For businesses working with regulated data, a missing device turns into a compliance incident quickly. Act fast.

The Rental Car Data Trap

When you connect your phone to a rental car, the car may store your contacts, call history, and text previews.

Before You Return the Car

• Delete your device from the Bluetooth menu

• Clear recent GPS destinations

• Avoid connecting entirely if possible

Working on Vacation Without Ruining It

Many Utah leaders promise themselves a real break, but work still creeps in. The problem is not the work. The problem is distraction. When your attention is split, you are more likely to connect to unsafe networks or click something risky.

Set Simple Boundaries

• Check email only twice a day

• Use your hotspot, not hotel WiFi

• Work in private, not public lobbies

• Be present with your family when you are off the clock

The best security move is to rest. A rested leader makes better decisions.

A Security Mindset for the Holidays

You do not need perfect behavior to stay safe. You only need intention. Understand what is risky and what is not. Put small barriers between your business and your family’s devices. And have a plan if something goes wrong.

Your goal is simple. Keep your business protected while giving your family a peaceful holiday.

Protect Your Business Before You Travel

If you want help building secure, practical travel policies for your team, we can walk you through the right steps. Click here to schedule a quick 26-minute call, and we will give you a clear picture of your risks and protections.