Traveling with Technology

Digital Safety

• Be intentional about which electronics you pack, bringing as few as possible. 
  • Do you need your laptop, tablet, reader, phone, and smart watch, or can one of those items fill the function of several?
  • Do not bring your primary work laptop when on personal travel.
• Remove any personal data from your electronic devices.
• Delete social media apps before traveling.
• Encryption
  • Ensure that your mobile devices are encrpyted (this is a default setting for most smartphones but can be disabled).
  • Enable the built-in full disk encryption option for laptops (instructions - Windows Encryption, FileVault for Macs).
• Do not use thumb drives unless you brought them with you.
• When on public wifi, expect whatever is on your computer to be seen by others.
  • Avoid public wifi if possible.
  • If using public wifi, avoid accessing panking or personal accounts.
  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
  • Log out of accounts immediately after use.
• Update your computer’s security software regularly.
• Lock your screen when not using your device.
• Do not use public charging stations/kiosks to decrease risk of downloading malware. Bring a portable power bank and only use your charging cables.
• If export control laws apply to your work, or if you work with sensitive data, consider using a loaner laptop from OESRC when traveling instead of your primary work device. To request a clean laptop (employees), complete OESRC’s loaner laptop request form. This allows you to connect with university systems without bringing the software and files on your normal work laptop, decreasing exposure to risks when connecting to unknown Wi-Fi or internet providers.