QUESTION: Digital security: what to do if a device is hacked or stolen?

In modern travel, digital security plays a key role, especially if you encounter the theft or hacking of your smartphone, laptop, or tablet abroad. First of all, do not panic and try to document the fact of the loss by recalling the exact location and time of the incident to assess the risks of personal data access.

As soon as the opportunity arises, immediately lock the stolen device via specialized remote access services using a trusted person's help or a spare gadget. For Apple device owners, this is the Find My iPhone feature, and for Android devices, the Find My Device service, which allow you not only to lock the screen but also to completely wipe all confidential data.

Be sure to contact the local police to file an official theft report, which you will need not only for the insurance company to claim compensation, but also as official confirmation of illegal actions in case of fraud. Also, contact your mobile operator to immediately block the SIM card so that attackers cannot use your mobile connection, receive confirmation codes from banks, or intercept two-factor authentication.

After blocking the SIM card and the device, urgently log into all important accounts from a secure computer and change passwords for your email, online banking, messengers, and social networks. If you used browser password autofill, terminate all active sessions on other devices to stop any unauthorized access to your finances and personal correspondence.

For the future, always have a Plan B during travel in case of technical failures or gadget theft. Always carry physical copies of important documents, paper records of key phone numbers, embassy and insurance company addresses, as well as a small amount of cash so you are not left completely cut off from the outside world.