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.
If you will not be using a particular electronic device or other valuable item, leave it at home.
- Keep devices on your person or in your carry-on items.
Do not store valuables or electronic devices in checked luggage.
In addition, 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.
- Make sure any business computer has Lamar University licensed management software (anti-virus).
- 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 you do not want exposed on the Internet.
- Remove any laptop contacts that could be stolen and used as targets for fraud or phishing scams.
- Remove any emails that have Personal Identifiable Information or information that you do not want known.
- 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 is potentially insecure and may allow others to see your data. When using Wi-Fi, Lamar University employees and students can use Lamar's VPN to safely send encrypted information.
Store all of your sensitive business data and files on a Lamar University shared drive and safely access it by VPN.
- 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, 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 they are not suited to.
- And when you return home...
...change the password of every account you used while you were away.
U.S. Dept. of Justice Brochure
Here is a useful brochure from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, as well as valuable information for U.S. students traveling abroad from the U.S. Dept. of State.
