Crooks are watching and security risks are high!
Posing a threat to your security
Hands up - Have you ever posted a photo of your boarding pass on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Linked In or Instagram?
We need to be aware that putting our destination, dates and travel online (or in the trash) or sharing details of our companions could be putting us and our travel pals at risk.
Passenger Name Record (PNR)
Have you ever considered what a criminal could do with the data which is featured on your documents and identification such as luggage tags and stickers?
Here is an overview that will probably leave you speechless: Scanning a barcode and using the relevant reading software means details can be traced back to your full name, seat number, flight time,destination of your trip, e-ticket number, frequent flier number, linked access to email accounts and linked access to card details or financial accounts!
You would be amazed at the information that can be accessed without the need for a password. So for instance, an accomplished hacker could access an airline's website through your name and PNR, view your personal data - such as your telephone number and home address, they can cancel reservations, and modify your details. Alternatively, someone, would be able to use that information to gain sight of your personal data and misuse it.
So if I obscure my name – that’s OK?
No. In fact, people publish their boarding passes whilst obscuring PNR and other sensitive information, thinking that this ploy makes them untouchable, but, alas, it doesn’t. These barcodes can be scanned from different Android and iOS apps, or uploaded to a web service like ZXing.
The barcode alone can provide a lot of details about your flight and forgetting to hide it is easier than you think. Avoid leaving it in view (don’t post the picture on social media with the barcode or ANY personal details showing, and don’t leave the boarding pass exposed by putting it down on the seat next to you whilst you drink your coffee in the airport waiting area or place it on the counter as you purchase items at the duty free – A passer-by could be taking a quick snap in order to access your most personal data)!
Frequent flyer numbers are also gold dust in the wrong hands, so make sure your paper tickets and boarding passes are properly shredded when you get safely home.
That's it – enjoy your holiday, whilst avoiding risks and staying safe. Think about your personal travel data and protect it.
