On arrival overseas most army personnel and families will be offered a safety brief. With terrorism threats overseas often higher than in the UK, it is good to know how to keep your digital life and personal information secure.
Sgt Thomas, who works in cyber assurance in British Forces Cyprus (BFC), told AFF: “Basic cyber hygiene is crucial for protecting personal, as well as organisational, data from cyber threats. The simplest practices like using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, using a virtual private network (VPN) and being cautious regarding phishing or scam emails can significantly reduce the success of potential threat actors.
“Adopting these practices will help to keep yours, your family’s and the MOD’s data secure online.”
For those who are not tech-savvy, a VPN helps to keep your data safe by hiding online activity and creating a secure connection from your device to the internet. It keeps your data safe by encrypting it, so hackers can’t see what you are doing.
WHY USE A VPN, ESPECIALLY OVERSEAS?
- It keeps you safe on public WiFi;
- It hides your IP address;
- It makes it harder to be tracked by advertisers;
- It allows you to ‘spoof’ your location.
AFF asked Sgt Thomas if the cost of VPN software can be claimed back and he confirmed that:
- The cost of a VPN can only be claimed back by the serving person or civil servant if they are assigned overseas to a Portable Electronic Device (PED) country graded yellow or higher (or deployed on operations). Further details on eligibility to claim can be found within Annex K to the MOD Cyber Force Directive.
- Each qualifying theatre has its own budget limits, and the local J6 branch should be able to provide details on the process for claiming and how much the MOD will reimburse. He gave the example that currently personnel in BFC can claim back up to £69.99 per year towards their package, with anything over this having to be self-funded.
AFF understands that even though the use of a VPN is only mandated for the serving person, they are strongly encouraged for all family members across all devices. Therefore, if a provider on the Cyber Force Directive allows multiple devices, this may be an ideal opportunity for the whole family to stay protected, at little to no charge (depending on claimable amount).
CYBER SECURITY – WANT TO LEARN MORE?
- If you are a serving person then additional cyber security awareness training is available on Defence Gateway.
- Additional resources and guidance available for all family members can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website.
TOP TIPS ON KEEPING SAFE ONLINE WHEN OVERSEAS
- Mobile phone – the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office provides general advice on how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad – see gov.uk. It advises that it’s good practice to keep your mobile phone charged and with you with emergency numbers saved.
- Social media – ensure your social media privacy settings are locked down by changing your profile from public to private/ only friends. Avoid sharing information about yourself and your travel and social plans.
- Public WiFi – use a VPN; avoid sensitive activities like banking; ensure device software (operating system and anti-virus) is up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – the use of MFA across all online accounts is encouraged – use methods like time-based one-time passwords, via call or SMS or Authenticator apps. However, find out if your apps need a UK mobile number or not.