G DATA CyberDefense offers five cybersecurity tips for safe travel
From online check-in and restaurant searches to digital menus, smartphones are an integral part of vacations for 90 percent of travelers. This is shown by a recent representative survey conducted by G DATA CyberDefense. More than half of respondents have already scanned a QR code at a restaurant or tourist attraction while traveling. While QR codes are convenient, they can also be tampered with. G DATA offers five tips to help vacationers use online services safely and avoid cyber risks.
On vacation, everyday life may take a break – but smartphones do not. More than half of travelers use their mobile devices just as often as they do at home, while one-third use them slightly less. Only 10 percent of those surveyed largely refrain from using their mobile devices while on vacation and opt for a digital detox. These are the findings of a representative survey conducted by G DATA CyberDefense among 1,000 Germans. Those who use their smartphones extensively while on vacation also rely more heavily on local online services. Many services that travelers once received in printed form are now accessed via QR codes. Fifty-two percent of respondents have already scanned such a code while traveling – for example, to view a menu or obtain information about tourist attractions. However, this is precisely where risks arise. Cybercriminals place fake QR codes that redirect users to fraudulent websites. Anyone who enters personal information or authorizes a payment on such a site can quickly fall victim to a so-called "quishing" scam.
“When a menu is only accessible via a QR code or a ticket needs to be booked quickly, very few people take the time to check the web address”, says Tim Berghoff, Security Evangelist at G DATA CyberDefense.
“Scammers count on precisely these moments of inattention. Many travelers are relaxed while on vacation, make spontaneous decisions, and are less likely to think about cyber risks.”People aged 18 to 39 use QR codes particularly frequentlyThe most frequent users of digital services are people aged 18 to 39. Nearly four out of five respondents in this age group have scanned QR codes while on vacation. At the same time, they are the least likely to go without their smartphones, with only around 4 percent opting for a digital detox.
The picture is different among those aged 60 and older. They are significantly more likely to take a digital break (nearly 15 percent) and use QR codes far less frequently, with only 32 percent reporting that they have scanned one while traveling.
The survey shows that smartphones remain a constant companion, even on vacation. This makes comprehensive cybersecurity all the more important when traveling. Anyone who uses QR codes, mobile tickets, and other digital services should not neglect their digital security.
Five cybersecurity tips for a stress-free vacation
- Install security software: A comprehensive security solution such as G DATA Mobile Security for Android or iOS provides reliable protection for mobile devices. This protection should be active at all times – not just immediately before a trip.
- Create backups: Before traveling, vacationers should back up their photos, contacts, and other important data. Backups stored on an external device or in the cloud can help if a smartphone is lost or stolen.
- Keep software up to date: Updates close known security vulnerabilities and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to devices. Smartphones, apps, and browsers should therefore be fully updated before departure.
- Enable theft protection: Features such as “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” allow users to remotely locate, lock, or, if necessary, erase a device. These features should be configured and tested before leaving for vacation.
- Check QR codes carefully: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources and verify the displayed web address before opening it. Be especially cautious with codes that appear to have been covered, replaced, or damaged, as well as with unexpected login or payment pages.
Representative survey conducted by OmniQuest on behalf of G DATAFor this representative online survey, OmniQuest surveyed 1,000 internet users in Germany in June 2026 on behalf of G DATA.