Travel Security

Keeping your computer and information secure is challenging all the time, but is especially challenging when you are on the go. Both your device(s) and data can be at risk, and some of the protections you may be used to having on your corporate and/or home networks are not present. Extra vigilance is warranted in such situations.

Whether you're traveling out-of-town or just working at a table in the Starbucks down the street, here are a few things to keep in mind to keep secure while traveling:

Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes, hotels, restaurants, etc., especially “open” hotspots (which most publicly-accessible ones are.) iPhones have a built-in capability to connect to a VPN, so this is a way of more safely using open Wi-Fi.
  • A wired connection in your hotel is better than Wi-Fi — less subject to monitoring.

  • When you work over non-secure networks (and any network you don’t control should be treated as such), a good practice is to work over a VPN connection or other remote access back to your organizational network. Most provide strong encryption, and once you’re connected you are securely “tunneled” into your organizational network.

  • Don’t leave your laptop or mobile device unattended, even for a minute. Always lock your device when you’re not using it.

  • The "hibernate" mode on a laptop is more secure than "sleep," and also uses no power. It takes longer to start back up afterward, though.

  • International travel can be particularly hazardous in terms of data security. The recommended practice is to carry only the data required for the purpose of the trip you are taking. Many organizations provide “clean” laptops to international travelers and “wipe” the laptops when they return home.

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