It’s no secret we’re living in a digital age, but what you might not realize is just how vulnerable our everyday tools — think: smartphones, laptops, and even medical software — can be vulnerable to cyber threats. That’s why it’s essential to keep your digital life secure and protected.

The good news is we’ve compiled some handy tips and best practices with travel nurses and allied professionals in mind. These are the cybersecurity tips you shouldn’t ignore.

• Common cybersecurity threats to watch out for
• Cybersecurity 🤝 healthcare travelers
• Cybersecurity tips for traveling healthcare professionals
• ✨BONUS ✨ Frequently asked questions

Cybersecurity Tips for Healthcare Travelers You Shouldn’t Ignore

Common cybersecurity threats to watch out for

Ransomware

One of the concerning cybersecurity threats you may encounter as a healthcare traveler is ransomware.

Imagine being locked out of your computer, phone, or other device, unable to access important patient records or personal information, all because malicious software has taken control and demands a ransom to release your files. Sounds like a bad time.

“Ransomware viruses are one of the most common cybersecurity attacks,” said Fusion Medical Staffing’s Director of IT Nick Tangeman. “That’s because any kind of file can have some type of threatening or suspicious malware hidden within it.”

For travel nurses and allied travelers moving from one assignment destination to another, you may be using different networks and systems, making you more susceptible to these attacks. What you can do to protect yourself from this type of cyber threat is to keep an eye out for any weird looking links and proceed with caution when it comes to clicking and opening them — a good rule of thumb is if it looks sketchy, it probably is.

Phishing

Another sneaky and common cybersecurity threat to keep on your radar is phishing. Essentially, phishing attempts to trick you into revealing your sensitive data, like passwords or financial information, by masquerading as a trustworthy source.

If you don’t know if something’s legit, do a quick independent investigation — determine if the sender’s email address or phone number look suspicious, look for spelling and grammar errors, and notice if there seems to be a dramatic sense of urgency. Being aware of these scams and knowing how to spot them can help you protect yourself and your data while traveling from job to job.

Social engineering

Social engineering is a clever cybersecurity threat that at its core involves manipulating you into revealing confidential information by pretending to be someone you trust like a coworker or IT support. These types of attacks are meant to take your guard down and can have dangerous consequences.

As you navigate new workplaces and adapt to different systems, stay savvy about social engineering to protect yourself and your patients.

Cybersecurity 🤝 healthcare travelers

Travel nurses and allied health professionals like yourself are frequently on the move, embracing new adventures and caring for patients in different environments. But each new location may come with unique challenges, including the increased risk of data breaches and identity theft.

“Whether traveling for business or leisure, travelers face increased cyber targeting and exposure during their trips,” said an expert at the Center for Internet Security (CISA). “Key vulnerabilities include the information carried with the traveler, the use of unsecured devices and data, and over-sharing information.”

Traveling means relying on various devices and networks, often in less secure settings. While public Wi-Fi may be available and convenient, it may not always be safe and could leave your personal information such as medical credentials, personal data, and financial information vulnerable.

Cybersecurity tips for traveling healthcare professionals

Keep your software and apps updated

One easy way to help protect yourself against cyber attacks is by keeping your software and apps updated. Think of it as a friendly security upgrade for your devices.

By regularly updating, you’re essentially locking the door against potential intruders who are always on the lookout for vulnerable targets. Plus, oftentimes these updates come with new features and improvements that not only strengthen security, but also enhance your overall experience.

Use strong, unique passwords

Pro tip: using strong, unique passwords is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cyber attacks.

Your passwords act like keys to your personal vault of information. If it’s weak or used across multiple accounts, it’s like leaving the vault door wide open for anyone to stroll in. Strong passwords — like ones that mix numbers, letters, and symbols — make it much harder for hackers to guess or crack.

Plus, using multiple strong passwords for each account means that if one gets compromised, the others stay safe! To help you keep track of your different passwords, consider utilizing a password manager.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

If strong, unique passwords are the key to your vault, then two-factor authentication is an extra lock on the door.

“Adding two-factor authentication is one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re protected,” Nick said. “We offer this feature for our mobile app and encourage you to set that up when you’re creating your Fusion Medical Staffing app account, and anywhere else you don’t’ have two factors set up.”

With 2FA, even if someone manages to get hold of your password, they still can’t access your account without a second piece of information, like a code sent to your phone. That means that you’ll have to be the one to authorize any access, giving you added peace of mind to your online activities.

Avoid accessing sensitive info on public networks

As a traveler, it may not be realistic to never use public networks. But if you use them, try to avoid accessing your sensitive information while connected. If you really need to check something important, consider using a VPN for an added layer of security. Taking these precautions means you can enjoy your healthcare travel assignment without constantly worrying about your personal information getting into the wrong hands.

Be cautious with email links and attachments

Since cybercriminals often use clever tricks to make their emails look legitimate, hoping you’ll click on a link or download an attachment, being cautious with what you click can make a huge difference in your digital security.

Look for red flags like strange email addresses or unexpected requests; if something seems off, trust your instincts and don’t engage.

Disable sharing features on your devices

Disabling sharing features on your devices is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself from cyber attacks. When you’re traveling or in public places, those sharing features like AirDrop or location sharing can accidentally broadcast your data to anyone nearby, making it easier for someone with bad intentions to access it.

Turning off these features creates a safer bubble around your information and ensures that only the people you choose can connect with you.

Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity

From bank statements to credit reports to other online accounts, the most important hack to keep you safe against cyber threats is keeping an eye on your accounts and monitoring for suspicious activity.

If you notice something’s off, you can immediately take action by changing your password, contacting the bank, or reporting suspicious activity. Staying proactive about your various accounts is a small habit that can make a big difference.

Frequently asked questions

What precautions should I take when using public internet networks?

Consider using a VPN. ✅ Avoid accessing sensitive information. ✅ Make sure you’ve turned off sharing options. ✅

What are some of the best and most effective ways to protect my sensitive and personal digital information?

Here’s the TLDR: use strong, unique passwords and pair that with two-factor authentication; regularly update your software and back up your important files; be cautious about what you share online and who you share it with; and stay alert for suspicious email/text links and attachments.

What steps does Fusion Medical Staffing take to keep my information secure?

We take your safety and security seriously, digitally and otherwise. So, when you submit your personal data with us through a job application, we take immediate steps to encrypt the data, in addition to the several layers of firewall security.

“Technology is always changing, and security is always top of mind for us,” said Nick. “At Fusion, we build layers of security to prevent bad guys from getting over and through our walls. Everyday technology changes so we’re constantly adapting and updating our cybersecurity efforts to ensure data is encrypted at multiple layers in different ways.”

Thanks to our elite technology team, we have robust firewall security and complex data encryption to block any suspicious activity before it can get through, as well as other precautions.

“We take extra security steps because we want to protect our travelers,” said Nick. “We care about the people we work with, so ultimately we not only want to keep the hospitals and facilities we work with protected, but we also want our travelers to stay safe on the Internet.”

In today’s world, cybersecurity is more important than ever and taking proactive steps to protect yourself can make a significant difference. Whether you’re traveling to your next healthcare travel assignment, a vacation destination, or back home, use these cybersecurity tips to better safeguard your personal information and contribute to an overall safer online environment.