According to a study from AirPlus International and the Global Business Travel Association, nearly 70% of travel managers say their travelers were affected by a third-party payment data breach in the past year and that they believe the risk of fraud is greater than it was two to three years ago. This begs the question, how can you protect your business travelers from data breaches while they’re on the go?
Here are just a few simple ways you can make sure your company stays safe even while working on a global scale.
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Consider Your Travel Contracts
There has been a dramatic increase in hotel brands experiencing data breaches over the last few years. As such, it’s now become much more common for travel managers to apply special provisions to their hotel contracts. When signing with a hotel to host an event, reserve a block of rooms for your company or just regularly serve your employees, consider adding a clause into your contract that specifically addresses data security. If you have an airline contract, you can make similar requests and most airlines will meet data protection demands if you’re giving them enough business.
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Arm Your Employees
Provide data security guidelines to your travelers. According to the same study from AirPlus International and the Global Business Travel Association, companies commonly provide data security guidance to business travelers but do not effectively communicate it. Having those data security guidelines within your travel policies is not enough, though. Be proactive with your communication; you may even want to host a seminar or class on data security while traveling.
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Embrace Virtual Cards
More travel managers are giving their employees virtual cards for use while traveling and 79% say those virtual cards are effective against fraud. Virtual card security features include a one-time use, limited transaction amounts, single category usage and use within a limited time period.
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Require Updates
Require your employees to update their systems immediately. Updates on all kinds of devices typically include security patches and, if your company has an organization-wide issue with updating devices in a timely manner, it could lead to increased vulnerability. Place emphasis on updating router firmware, web browsers and operating systems to start.
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Introduce Multi-Factor Authentication
While it might be a hassle, it’s important. Multi-factor authentication can ensure that, even if a threat has access to a user’s username and password, they still can’t get beyond your second layer of security. Adding multi-factor authentication to your systems and software is easy, affordable and effective.
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Outfit Traveler Devices with Privacy Filters
Believe it or not, some data breaches can occur as the result of some old-fashioned tactics. Shoulder surfing is when someone simply looks over your employee’s shoulder and gets a peek at any sensitive material. While it may seem far-fetched, shoulder surfing is not uncommon and is more likely in crowded travel situations such as in airports or on airplanes. A simple fix? Outfit your employees’ devices with privacy filters.
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Work with Trusted Partners
And, of course, always choose to work with trusted partners. Teddy’s Private Car Service provides corporate travelers and travel managers with a secure booking experience and continued security throughout your travel experience. To learn more, visit our corporate transportation page.
