Because that’s not her.

That voice you’d bet money on? AI-generated. That video showing her at her usual spot by the window? Deepfake. And that payment she desperately needed? Just vanished into a scammer’s pocket.

This isn’t science fiction – it’s a real threat keeping security experts up at night. The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Risk Committee’s 2025 Risk Outlook puts deepfake scams within the top five on their worry list, and for good reason. Think about it: when will we most likely miss the warning signs? When we’re racing through airports, dealing with jet lag, and trying to keep business moving across multiple time zones. For cybercriminals, we’re the perfect target when we’re living out of a suitcase.

“Business travellers face a unique set of cyber threats due to their increased reliance on technology and access to sensitive data, often in areas with increased vulnerabilities,” says Peta Gaye Pottinger, member of GBTA Canada’s Risk Committee.

Here’s a sobering reality check: South Africa ranks third globally for cybercrime victims, according to SABRIC’s latest research. Let that sink in. Third. Worldwide.

“Look at it from a criminal’s perspective,” says Mummy Mafojane, who keeps her finger on the pulse of these threats as Productive Operations Leader at FCM. “We’re a bustling business hub with executives constantly flying in and out, making split-second decisions, moving serious money across different time zones. When you’re racing to close a deal, cybersecurity might be the last thing on your mind – and that’s exactly what they’re counting on.”

Fake bookings, real money lost

While deepfakes are the flashy new threat-grabbing headlines, cybercriminals play a much bigger game.

For example, when you’re booking a flight. Cybercriminals could be silently watching your every email, waiting for those magic words: “travel booking,” “payment details,” or “itinerary.” It’s like having a digital pickpocket looking over your shoulder, but instead of snatching your wallet, they’re quietly changing a few numbers in your payment details. By the time you realise something’s wrong, your money’s long gone.

But the terrifying part is that stealing your travel funds is just their opening move. Those booking confirmations you casually forward? They’re goldmines of personal data – your passport numbers, credit card details, corporate logins – everything a hacker needs to dig deeper into your company’s systems. And that’s when the real damage begins. It’s like giving someone the keys to your house – once they’re in, they can raid every room.

Your booking method matters

So, how do you slam the door on these cyber threats? It starts with rethinking your booking habits. That travel site you googled might look great, but as Juan Du Plooy, Information Security Lead at FCTG South Africa, puts it: “It’s like walking into a perfectly replicated designer store – everything looks legitimate until you realise you’ve handed your credit card to a fraudster. These criminals are masters at cloning popular booking sites.”

This is where travel management companies prove their worth. Their booking platforms do more than process reservations. They’re constantly scanning for suspicious patterns, verifying every transaction, and maintaining security measures that those public booking sites simply can’t match.

Sadly, the risks escalate once you’ve booked and are on the move.

Hotel Wi-Fi is not your friend

That USB charging port at the airport? It could be uploading malware faster than your battery’s charging. That “urgent update” from your hotel in your inbox? Likely fraudsters ‘phishing’ for your details. And that poolside selfie you just posted? You’ve just broadcast to criminals that you’re away from home, making you and your devices prime targets.

But here’s the biggest trap: Wi-Fi. “That password-protected hotel network might feel safe,” warns Du Plooy, “but hackers create perfect copies of these networks. Connect to one, and everything you do online – every email, password, and document – is exposed.”

Pottinger recommends these critical protections for business travellers:

• Mandate the use of encrypted devices and VPN connections for all travelling employees. 
• Educate employees on cybersecurity awareness – specifically avoiding public Wi-Fi and using personal data instead. 
• Encourage travellers to use privacy screen filters to prevent shoulder-surfing attacks in public places. 
• Implement strong cybersecurity policies for managing work devices while travelling. 
• Regularly simulate cybersecurity breach scenarios, ensuring employees know how to respond. 

And work with a TMC that is a partner in risk management, adds Mafojane. “We provide businesses with secure booking channels that reduce fraud risks, real-time alerts about emerging cyber threats at specific destinations, and policies that help companies build safer travel protocols overall.”

**ends**

For more information about FCM Travel, or to interview Mummy Mafojane, Productive Operations Manager at FCM, call Lori Cohen on 079 641 4965 or email lori@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Lori Cohen

Tel: +27 79 641 4965

Email: Lori@bigambitions.co.za

You, your trip, and your data: just how safe are you?

JOHANNESBURG, 21 April 2022 – The more time you spend online, the more you’re at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. But did you know that the threat is even greater when you travel?

Imagine this scenario: your company sends you overseas to complete a project. During your stay, you use your company business card at an ATM – nothing unusual about that. But, once you return home, your employer notices massive cash withdrawals from the bank – withdrawals you’re at a loss to explain.

For one small consulting firm, this was no imaginary situation. Reported by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, the incident saw the 10-man consultancy lose a total of $15 000 – the business’s entire cash reserve – after the credit card details were recorded by a skimmer device that criminals had installed on the ATM used by the employee.

“This incident shows just how devastating the effects of cybercrime can be,” says Bonnie Smith, General Manager FCM Travel. “And it’s just one example of a cyberattack. There are so many more ways criminals can target travellers – so it’s important to be aware while you’re out on the road. Don’t let your guard slip, which is often challenging when you’re focussed on meetings, exploring new places or enjoying your trip.”

According to a study conducted by IEEE Innovation At Work, the travel and transportation industry was the second most targeted industry for cybercriminals in 2018. The same study reports that one in seven travellers has fallen victim to information theft.

Why are travellers such soft targets?

One reason may be their lackadaisical attitude. A somewhat concerning report by IBM shows that although 40% of travellers acknowledge that they could be at risk of cybercrime, only 30% guard against the threat.

Don’t judge the other 70% of travellers too harshly, though. Smith points out that travel leaves people in a highly vulnerable position. For a start, travellers typically have, out of necessity, a large volume of valuable data on their person, from their passports to travel itineraries and payment information. All of this is gold for the cybercriminal who can sell the information or use it for identity theft or phishing attacks.

The traveller’s state of mind doesn’t help, either. When you’re feeling tired after a long trip, it’s normal to opt for the quickest connectivity solution – like public Wi-Fi – to download a mail or make a fast transaction instead of opting for the safest option.

What’s more, because of the interconnectivity of devices, any seemingly small breach of security may have massive ramifications.

Guard against being a victim

The good news, says Smith, is that while the threat might be significant, there are several steps travellers can use to avoid an attack.

Some of these actions should be taken before leaving home, like brushing up on your rights and local laws. This is important because different countries may exert different rights to your data. For example, border guards may ask to see the contents of your laptop, and if you know that this is likely, you can plan ahead.

It’s also a good idea to change all your frequently used passwords. You may even wish to set up a temporary email account if you know that you’re likely to use a public computer. In fact, this is advisable if you plan to work from your hotel’s business centre, as these centres are a natural target for cybercriminals.

If your personal data is stored on the cloud, consider deleting the local copy from your laptop and disabling the sync feature. While you’re at it, download software that encrypts information and protects copied data. Update your anti-virus protection, host intrusion and host-based firewall software.

This is also the time to pay any bills that may fall due while you are away, a step that will lessen your exposure while you are travelling. If you foresee the need to download software, do so before you leave.

Your final action, before you land, should be to disable the auto-connect function on your phone – connecting to the Internet manually for a few days isn’t much of a hassle, especially if it keeps your data safe. You should disable Bluetooth connectivity, too.

In transit? Chances are you’re using your time to catch up on mails – but refrain from plugging into the public WI-FI network. Instead, set up a WI-FI hotspot on your phone and encrypt your data using a Virtual Private Network.

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, keep your device on you at all times. It sounds obvious, especially for crime-wary South Africans, but a request to borrow your phone or tablet for one second may not be quite as innocent as it seems. By the same token, don’t use anyone else’s device. And don’t consider taking ‘backup’ devices with you just in case – the fewer devices you have to worry about, the better.

Use public equipment with care, and exercise caution if you need to charge your USB in public. If you need to charge, a good tip is to switch off your device before plugging it into a charging station. Finally, if you have been asked by border guards to screen your device, treat it as if it has been compromised.

The bottom line? “It’s important to stay alert and aware when you’re travelling,” says Smith. “This is always good advice, and now in terms of cybercrime too. Follow the tips and advice shared above, and chat to your travel expert about any destination-specific alerts or information.”

**ends**

For more information about FCM, or to interview FCM General Manager South Africa, Bonnie Smith, call Dorine Reinstein on 083 278 8994 or email dorine@bigambitions.co.za.

About FCM:

FCM, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Issued by: Big Ambitions

Contact: Dorine Reinstein

Tel: +27 83 278 8994

Email: Dorine@bigambitions.co.za