International Travel Security
Our faculty, staff, and students frequently travel internationally. When you travel outside the country, be aware of current regulations, laws, and safety tips regarding your technology devices and data.
How to Protect Data and Devices as You Travel Abroad
Decide whether you really need to bring it.
Keep devices on your person or in your carry-on items.
Don’t store valuables or electronic devices in checked luggage. Also, iPhones and other GSM devices have an internal removable SIM card that allows the phone to make calls. A thief could steal the SIM card and make unauthorized calls on your account.
Clean and clear your data before traveling.
When traveling for business, consider cleaning your laptop of all business and personal data.
- Clear your browser history and cache, including saved usernames or passwords.
- Delete saved sites, bookmarks, and favorites that might expose personal information or browsing habits.
- Remove any Lamar University work, personal data, or pictures that could be used against you or that you don’t want exposed on the Internet.
- Remove any phone contacts that could be stolen and used as targets for fraud or phishing scams.
Create backups before you leave.
Back up all your electronic devices, including your cell phone, before you travel.
Try not to use public Wi-Fi.
Public Wi-Fi spots are potentially insecure and may allow others to see your data. Store all of your business data and files on a shared drive. Then you can use VPN to access these files or any other business or sensitive information over an encrypted line. That way, if your laptop were stolen, your sensitive data would not be compromised.
Forfeit your expectation of personal privacy.
Many countries do not have the same privacy protections for electronic communication as the United States does. Be mindful that any cell phone conversations, email, and Internet browsing may be intercepted by local or governmental entities. Customs agents are within their rights to search and confiscate electronic devices.
Inform several people of your travel plans.
Leave copies of your passport, itinerary, and important information, and phone numbers with family, friends, or coworkers so they can quickly get and send any important information to you if needed.
Prepare for different electrical systems.
Bring an electronic charger adapter. Electronics can be damaged using electrical systems their not suited to.
And when you return home...
...change the password of every account you used while you were away.
Security Topics
