Staying safe online should not be limited to just your office, home, or classroom. You should practice information security no matter where you are. When you access the internet while traveling, the risks of cyberattacks increases.
Here are some tips to help keep you safe when traveling:
Before Travel
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Update your device
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Ensure your mobile device (phone, laptop, tablet) is updated to the most current version, software and all apps, especially anti-virus are up to date. This ensures all security updates are in place prior to traveling.
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Back up your device
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Back up contacts, videos, photos and other applications to another device or cloud service.
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If not already, enroll and utilize MFA on all possible accounts to protect accounts from being hacked
Some countries do not allow use of DUO, therefore access to SHSU systems will be unavailable in these locations.
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Set up the “Find my” device features on all devices
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This will help you locate your device if it gets lost and may even allow you to wipe the device if it gets stolen.
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Disable auto-connect
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Disable auto remote wifi and Bluetooth connectivity so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you want to connect to.
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Strong passwords and a password manager
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Strong passwords make it harder for someone to access your sensitive data and a password manager, such as LastPass, makes it easier to keep track of those strong passwords.
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File and print sharing
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Turn off to avoid unauthorized access to files.
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Uninstall any applications you will not need during travel. Some apps have technology that is banned and come have a license key that could be stolen and used.
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Be sure to know the host country's laws and any applicable federal export controls. Instead of bringing your assigned SHSU device, check out a loaner device from IT@Sam for the duration of your international trip.
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Notify IT@Sam of travel
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Notify IT@Sam of your travel dates so that your SHSU account activity can be monitored for any suspicious or anomalous behavior. Should any such behavior be identified you will be contacted immediately to change your password.
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During Travel
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Keep it locked
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Set a password and lock your device when not in use so someone does not try to steal or destroy information on the device if you leave your device unattended.
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Turn off device
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Turn off the device when not in active use. Do not leave them in sleep mode.
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Think before you connect
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Be careful of connecting to public wireless hotspots like on an airplane or in an airport, hotel, train or bus station or café. Confirm the name of the network with staff and follow login procedures to ensure you are connecting to a legitimate network.
- Do not conduct activities such as online shopping, banking or sensitive work using a public network
- If you must conduct sensitive work, make sure the website starts with https://
- Using a mobile network connection is usually more secure than a public wireless network
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Think before you click
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Use caution when clicking unknown links.
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Guard mobile device
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Never leave mobile devices, including storage devices, unattended in a public place and keep them secured in taxis, at airports, on airplanes and in hotel rooms.
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Use a privacy screen
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Others will not be able to see what you are doing on your device.
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After Travel
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Change passwords
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Change all passwords used while travelling.
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SHSU devices
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If an SHSU device was checked out for travel, be sure it is returned to IT@Sam.
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