Traveling Abroad with Technology?

Posted July 24, 2017 by Academic and Institutional Technology
Tags: Security

Traveling Abroad with Technology?

Effective Date: July 24, 2017

Travel, both local and international, introduces unique cybersecurity concerns. Travelers are often vulnerable to theft, malicious software, and covert surveillance over insecure networks. In addition, international travel can involve privacy and data import/export laws different from those in the United States.

The following tips can help keep your devices and data safe while traveling abroad.

Before you go:

Ask yourself, "Do I really need this device?"

What are you planning to do while traveling? Are your personal and/or Wheaton College-owned devices necessary to accomplish this? Unless you absolutely need the device, leave it behind. It is better to be slightly inconvenienced than take the risk of losing your device or dealing with a malware infection.

Travel loaner laptop

Utilize an Academic and Institutional Technology (AIT) travel laptop instead of your primary computer. AIT has a small number of temporary travel laptops that can be used for core functions such as Outlook, Microsoft Office, and web browsing. Contact us to discuss this option.

Be familiar with the laws of the countries you're visiting

Back up your data before you leave…

If you must take your College-owned computer abroad, contact us to discuss backing up your data. If your device is infected or lost, you will be able to recover your data .

Ensure your computer has VPN installed.

Use a virtual private network (VPN) to access Wheaton College systems or data. This provides secure access to college data.

Change your password before and after your trip

Changing passwords to accounts you will use both before and after your trip will enhance the protection of those accounts.

Ensure your device has a password or pass code/pin to unlock the screen.

This is standard for all phones and tablets that access the Wheaton College email system, as well as all computers set up by AIT.

Ensure your device is encrypted.

Whole disk encryption is used to protect data on your device if it is lost or stolen. AIT is working to ensure all College-owned computers have whole disk encryption. If you would like to be sure your computer is encrypted, please contact the AIT Service Desk.

Once you arrive

Do not save important files on your device. If your device is lost or stolen, that data will be gone forever. Or worse, it may be in the hands of someone who could use it maliciously. Save Wheaton College data to ThunderCloud Storage (powered by Box), which stores data in a secure encrypted format. For personal data, use your preferred cloud storage provider (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

Don't let cybersecurity take a vacation

Continue good cybersecurity practices no matter where you are. Keep in mind:

Coming home

When you return from traveling, contact the AIT Service Desk if you took a College-owned computer abroad. We will scan it for any malware or surveillance software.

We also recommend changing your passwords when you return, especially the passwords for any service you accessed while traveling.

Additional Resources

Resources from the FBI

Safety and Security for the Business Traveler:

Safety for Students Traveling Abroad:

Resources from the State Department

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Academic and Institutional Technology at ait.service.desk@wheaton.edu or call 630.752.4357 (HELP).