Traveling with Technology

Protect your data and devices when you travel. 

When traveling with technology, there are steps you can take to keep your data safe, your devices secure and Queens University Protected. 

1. Make Sure Your Devices & Applications Are Up To Date. Be sure that any device with an operating system & software (this includes Computers, Smart Phones and Tablets) are Fully Patched & Up-To-Date.
2. Turn The Device Off, or at least keep wifi turned Off, when not actively in use.
3. Only Connect To Trusted Networks.  Having a wireless connection is almost a necessity for the modern traveler. However, using an unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot can allow others to view the contents of your electronic activity. Never access your sensitive financial accounts from an unsecured network. If you must access sensitive data from an unsecured network, be sure that you use a VPN service. Avoid using any network that requires you to download software to your computer for access.
4. Always Decline any request from someone else to use your electronic devices.
5. Maintain Physical Possession of your computer and personal electronic devices at all times – do not leave devices unattended in hotel rooms, for example.    Use options the hotel has for a safe or secured storage when the device cannot be with you.
6. Have Find My iPhone/iPad configured.
7. Passwords/Passcodes - Sometimes devices get lost or stolen, even when we are being careful. By protecting your device with a passcode or lengthy password, you make it harder for your device to be used and data to be accessed by others. Change any and all passwords you may have used when you return from abroad.
   1. Update your physical location with your password vault. Many people use password vaults to manage all of their account passwords. Don't be surprised if your password vault requires additional verification steps when logging into it from a location that is not in your home country. (After all, we count on these vaults to be secure!) Check the vendor documentation or your account settings to make sure that there are no country restrictions or settings that you need to change before your trip. Also double-check that you're able to access your recovery/secondary email address just in case there is an issue.
8. Have the secure PIN or Thumbprint Feature Turned On so your device cannot be openly accessed.
9. Have Copies of important data on secondary storage with you.
10. Back Up Your Data! Backing up your data ensures that you won't lose information if your device is lost or stolen. Consider encrypting your data as well, but check with your IT support staff first about how best to implement encryption.
11. Take The Minimum Amount of Information Needed For Your Travel.  Do not take sensitive information (electronic or printed) with you as you travel. Evaluate the sensitivity of the information you are considering taking by knowing in many countries/cultures there is no expectation of privacy.
    1. Consider leaving your daily devices at home. If you are traveling to a location where you are concerned about your individual privacy rights, consider leaving your primary mobile device at home and purchasing a replacement device to take with you instead. Put only the apps, services, and data that you need for that trip on the device. 
12. Do Not Use The Same Login credentials for university and personal business.
13. Never Use Shared Computers in cyber cafes, public areas, hotel business centers, or devices belonging to other travelers, colleagues, or friends.
14. Visit the U.S. State Department’s web site to obtain information about the safety and security of the country you are visiting and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
15. Upon your return, change any and all passwords you may have used abroad.