Data protection during the vacation period
Even when you're on vacation, it's worth giving some thought to data protection. First of all, it should be ensured that an out-of-office message is set up for all e-mails received at the personal e-mail address. The exact reason for the absence should not be specified there, but it is sufficient to inform that e-mails will not be read until a certain date. If necessary, an alternative e-mail address should be provided to which e-mails can be sent during the period of absence. Under no circumstances should e-mails be forwarded to external e-mail providers.
When you are on the road, data protection risks also lurk in the private sphere. The problems caused by the loss of a data carrier (USB stick, cell phone...) should not be multiplied by the loss of the data on it. A back-up of the data is important. To prevent the data from falling into the wrong hands, encryption is a suitable way to reduce the damage.
If public WLAN networks are used, one should be aware that data security is not guaranteed, especially in non-EU countries, and transmission usually takes place via unencrypted connections. If you do not want to share your data with unknown third parties, you should avoid using these networks or use VPN connections.
Other devices can also be conveniently connected to one's smartphone, be it the smart TV in the hotel or the rental car. Here, one should not forget to log out of one's account before returning home, if necessary, and to delete all of one's own details in the rental car's navigation system before returning it.
This information is taken from the Dr. Datenschutz newsletter and can be read in more detail here (in German).
By Rita Freudenberg, Data Protection Officer OVGU