As international travel surges, so too does cybercrime aimed at unsuspecting travellers.
From stolen passport scans to hacked frequent flyer accounts, criminals are cashing in on a booming black market of personal travel data, and the cost of your identity on the dark web might be far lower than you’d expect.
A recent study by cybersecurity experts NordVPN and Saily has uncovered just how vulnerable travellers are.
Stolen travel documents are being bought and sold online for as little as $10 (R177), while verified EU passports can command prices of over $5,000 (R88 513).
Fake visa stickers, forged bank statements, and loyalty accounts loaded with travel miles are also being traded for hundreds of dollars.
Even confirmed Booking.com reservations are being resold for upwards of $250 (R4 426).
“The staggering prices we’re seeing on the dark web show just how valuable and vulnerable travellers’ personal information has become,” says Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN.
How cybercriminals steal travel data
The methods used to steal travel information are wide-ranging and alarmingly simple.
Cybercriminals often deploy malware that scans your devices and cloud storage for sensitive files.
Phishing sites, which closely mimic real airline, hotel, or visa application websites, trick users into uploading personal documents and ID scans.
Travellers are also at risk due to data breaches at airlines, travel agencies, and online booking platforms, which can leak entire passenger profiles.
Even publicly accessible cloud folders with weak permissions can be easily discovered and exploited.
In more advanced cases, criminals are turning to AI-generated scams to mimic legitimate requests.
These include fake Wi-Fi login pages at airports, phoney lounge access portals, or even requests for selfies alongside ID documents, made to look like they come from official sources.
“With AI tools now easily accessible to criminals, these phishing attempts have become simple to create, remarkably convincing, and difficult to detect,” warns Vykintas Maknickas, CEO of Saily.
Why travel documents are so valuable
According to these experts, travel documents are a goldmine for hackers.
Many digital services and identity checks only require a passport scan and a selfie, which criminals can fake using deepfake technology.
With the right data, including full name, date of birth, passport number, email address, phone number, and emergency contacts, hackers can:
- Commit identity theft
- Open fraudulent bank accounts or credit lines
- Apply for loans
- Launch highly targeted phishing or social engineering attacks
“Travel documents offer direct access to your identity with minimal barriers, making stolen travel data incredibly dangerous,” Briedis explains.
How to protect yourself when travelling
Briedis notes that travellers need to take proactive steps to protect their personal information.
He provided six essential tips on how to protect yourself when travelling:
Store sensitive files securely
Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and other personal documents in encrypted storage or a private digital vault. Avoid uploading them to public cloud folders, and disable sharing settings.
Protect your devices
Install reputable antivirus software and keep your operating system and apps updated to fix security vulnerabilities. Regular updates help prevent malware from infecting your devices.
Watch out for phishing
Always verify web addresses before entering sensitive data. If a visa application, booking site, or check-in portal seems off, don’t proceed. Use only official sources, and be wary of urgent or suspicious messages.
Avoid public Wi-Fi – or use a VPN
Public Wi-Fi networks at airports and cafés are prime targets for hackers.
If you must connect, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and reduce the risk of interception.
Monitor your accounts
Regularly review your email, bank accounts, and loyalty programmes for any signs of unusual activity.
If anything seems suspicious, act immediately by changing your passwords and alerting providers.
Report lost or stolen documents straightaway
If your passport or ID goes missing, report it immediately to the relevant authorities.
Acting quickly can reduce the chance of your documents being used for fraud.
Travelling should be about creating memories, not dealing with the nightmare of identity theft.
In today’s connected world, cybercriminals are using more sophisticated tools to target people on the move but with awareness and a few key precautions, you can stay safe.
Whether you’re heading overseas for business or leisure, protecting your personal data is just as important as packing your bags.
So before you board that next flight, take a moment to secure your digital life.
Your future self will thank you.
