Staying Secure While Traveling–3/6/2019

Staying secure while traveling 

Whether its personal or work-related travel, there are things you can do to protect your information and systems. 

 

Before you go 

  • If a device, credit card, or document is not required for your travel, leave it at home. 
  • Ensure that all your electronic devices are password protected and encrypted if possible in case of loss or theft. 
  • Run all updates to systems and applications prior to travel. Updates and patches acquired from unsecured networks may be malware in disguise. 
  • Enable remote wiping features, like Apple’s Find My iPhone, if possible. 
  • Backup any data on those devices in case of damage, loss, or theft. 

 

While traveling 

  • Always keep portable equipment (cellphones, laptops, flash drives, DVD/CDs, PDAs, etc.) in your possession. 
  • Assume that any networks or devices other than yours are not secure. 
  • Use Wesleyan’s VPN on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet to create an encrypted connection to University resources. 
  • Disable services such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when they are not needed. 
  • Avoid connecting to charging stations that do not involve direct connections to electrical outlets. 
  • Be careful about the information that you share via social media. (you don’t want to let the world know that your home is unoccupied) 
  • Consider using RFID-blocking wallets or bags to protect cards and passports from skimmers. 
  • If presenting or sharing research, be cognizant of different laws and social norms regarding intellectual property. 

 

Back on Campus 

  • Change the passwords and PIN numbers on any accounts that you accessed while traveling. 
  • Reformat devices that have been used abroad, especially on unsecured networks.