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.