For those traveling internationally for work, research, or vacation, protecting personal and institutional data and mobile devices is critical. Individuals face a variety of threats when traveling, and best practices start long before boarding the plane. Faculty, staff, students, and other travelers, please use this checklist to prepare yourselves — and your technology—for the unique threats of global travel.

Before You Leave

Physical Security

• • Be aware of national data protection laws in your home and destination countries.
  • Know and follow policies for using various devices, institutional data, and institutional resources.
  • Research personal, criminal, and cyber risks in the country or region you’re visiting.
  • Purchase and pack privacy screen filters, portable chargers, and country specific plug adapters.
  • Be aware that border and/or customs officials may search your devices multiple times and copy data therein.
  • Understand that legally confiscated electronic devices may not be returned for months.

Technical Security

• • Consult with your IT support professional about special concerns regarding your technology or your destinations.
  • See if low-cost, loaner devices are available to mitigate the risk of losing more valuable equipment.
  • Ensure your devices have full disk encryption when available and local encryption when not.
  • Verify that your device’s Operating System (OS) software is up to date.
  • Make sure your antivirus program is updated and performing regular scans.
  • Disable FaceTime and GoogleMeet since they can be mechanisms for “zero-click” attacks.
  • Check your cell phone coverage and international data plan options. If you need to access University systems through DUO and your cell phone will not be available, you can purchase a DUO hardware token from the CCIT Support Center as an alternative.
  • Enable your institution’s VPN access. Be aware some countries block VPN. Talk to your IT support for alternatives if needed.
  • Set up institutionally approved, centrally provisioned data storage.
  • Back up all data prior to travel, and take only essential data with you.
  • Create complex passwords, PINS, codes, and screen locks for your device.

While Traveling

• • Regularly restart your devices to help remove implanted malware.
  • Use Clemson’s trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN).
  • Don’t click on suspicious links or suspicious attachments sent via text or email.
  • Enable Apple’s “Lockdown Mode” (for high-risk executives on iPhones).

Upon Returning

• • Review banking and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
  • Scan devices for unusual activities with the help of your IT support professional.
  • Provide feedback to your IT support professional on what did and did not work well.
  • Reestablish normal systems and safeguards with the help of your IT support professional.
  • Resume your weekly or monthly data check and back up routines as normal.

Additional Resources

• • US Department of State International Travel website – National Counterintelligence and Security Center
  • Traveling Overseas with Mobile Phones, Laptops, PDAs, and Other Electronic Devices
  • Safety and Security for the Business Professional Traveling Abroad – Federal Bureau of Investigation

Effective Practice: Cybersecurity for the International Traveler was provided by the The Research and Education Networks Information Sharing and Analysis Center (REN-ISAC) which serves over 620 member institutions within the higher education and research community by promoting cybersecurity operational protections and response.