Technology is increasingly getting smaller and more capable. This has allowed people to conveniently do banking, bill payments, shopping, and visit social media while going out and about in public. Although this has certainly made life easier and more convenient, it also raises quite a few concerns regarding one’s privacy and security.

Simply being mindful of your devices and the people around you can alleviate many of these worries, but if you feel the need to take additional safety precautions, here are four low-cost ways to boost your security while out in public.

1. Protect Your Debit and Credit Cards With RFID-Blocking

When it comes to debit and credit card transactions, contactless card payments have become the norm. Most cards today employ Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) protocol, which is housed inside the yellowish chip on your card. When placed directly in front of an RFID scanner, this chip communicates various financial information, including your card number, card expiration date, and CVV/CVC—everything you need to pay.

Since RFID scanners aren’t regulated and can be made using a bit of DIY, people can easily obtain one and use it to scan your cards without you noticing. Although your PIN code is not stored within your card’s chip and, therefore, cannot be seen, the idea of people simply getting your card information is enough to worry many.

To ensure your card doesn’t get scanned without your permission, using an RFID-blocking wallet will prevent scanners from reading your cards without your knowledge or consent.

You may also use an RFID-blocking cards are simple aluminum or carbon fiber cards that heavily attenuate radio signals from reaching and successfully communicating with your banking cards and other RFID-capable IDs.  Using a $3 RFID-blocking card should be enough to protect all of your banking cards within your wallet.

2. Stop Keyloggers With a DIY Security Key

You'll inevitably need to access your personal or professional account from a borrowed laptop or while connected to a café's free Wi-Fi. Given how simple it is to install and utilize keylogging software, it doesn't hurt to be extra cautious when it comes to the security of your personal accounts, even if you do trust the owner of the device.

For those unfamiliar, a keylogger is software used to record all of your keystrokes. Basically, anything you type into a device is saved onto the software, which can be seen later by hackers.

You can protect yourself from keyloggers by utilizing a USB security key to enter your user credentials, such as passwords and usernames. USB security keys are small hardware devices that function as keyboards. These devices automatically enter your credentials without utilizing the keyboard that keyloggers are attempting to monitor, resulting in log files that are either empty or a jumble of key characters.  There are numerous USB security keys on the market today. 

3. Increase Privacy Using a VPN Before Connecting to Public Wi-Fi

If you’ve ever spent time at a coffee shop, airport, hotel, library, or bank, you know how tempting it can be to connect through free Wi-Fi. After all, who wouldn't want a convenient and reliable internet connection? But you need to take extra precautions to protect yourself from malicious hackers trying to sniff your data before doing so.

Connecting to public Wi-Fi is not recommended in general, especially if you intend to use the connection for banking or other sensitive activities. But if you must connect to one, you’ll want to use a paid Virtual Private Network (VPN) to increase privacy and security.

A VPN provides a layer of protection by encrypting your data before it even connects to the router. That is, your information is rendered unreadable. So even if a hacker successfully sniffs and records your transaction to the Wi-Fi access point, all they'll see is a jumbled mess of text.

I hope these tips have helped you provide yourself with better privacy and security. These items are intended to be used as additional safety precautions, primarily for your peace of mind when you are out in public. Remember, practicing proper cyber hygiene will always be the most effective way to combat getting hacked or exploited, whether you’re in or out of the confines of your home.

Michael McKee is a long-time member of the Omaha business community. If you have something to share with Michael McKee, you can write to michael@omahadailyrecord.com, or you can attend at the Omaha Empowerment Breakfast (OmahaEmpowermentBreakfast.org). This column is no substitute for legal, tax or financial advice, which can be furnished only by a licensed professional.