Author: Kayla Blomquist
Traveling abroad inherently presents a string of challenges to organizations and their people regarding logistics, safety, and accommodations. However, most organizations, be it non-profits, private business, or government representatives often neglect good cyber security practices. Each country presents its own unique set of data protection challenges but there are a variety of ways to mitigate exposure of proprietary data while mitigating the unforeseen challenges that may arise. When traveling, experts at FAO Global take every possible step to ensure the safety of personal and professional digital information. Here are a few tips from our experienced business travelers on how to keep your digital information and accounts safe on your next business trip abroad:
Before you go
Before you take a trip to any foreign country it is important to understand the geo-political climate related to your organization. Some countries have stringent regulations on internet usage, lax enforcement of intellectual property, and invasive law enforcement and immigration procedures. Know the environment you are going into before you arrive.
Consider this, several countries have been known to require travelers to disclose passwords to their social media accounts during customs and immigration processes. Should this happen to you, be prepared to change your password immediately after revealing it. Additionally, if you refuse to provide your password this may delay your immigration process, and in some cases, prevent entry into the country completely.
If possible, bring a blank computer and phone and store only the files, contacts, and apps you need for your trip. Whether or not this is an option, be sure to back up your electronic files using a secure cloud system or an external storage device and remove any sensitive data not needed during travel. You should also encrypt any remaining sensitive data or accounts on your devices and create complex passwords, which are different from those you normally use and include a variety of numbers, symbols, and letters. To protect your network security, download a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and bring a secure mobile hotspot, if one is available, to avoid connecting to local public networks. If you are traveling in a country that restricts VPN use, consider downloading two to three VPNs before your trip in case one is shut down during your stay. Finally, you should update your device’s antivirus software.
During your trip
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your devices with you in airports, taxis, hotels, and elsewhere. Further, ensure that devices are secured within their cases. Even if you are holding your bags, thieves often still target travelers in large crowds. Do not leave valuables in unbuttoned or unzipped pockets and carry sensitive items close to your person. A thief could easily cut through an outer pocket of a backpack without you ever knowing.
When using your computer in public places, use a privacy screen on your laptop and take caution while typing passwords to prevent observers from taking information from you by looking at your screen or keyboard use.
Next, disable network auto-connectivity and Bluetooth to prevent unauthorized or unintended connection to local networks while abroad. Avoid connecting to unsecure wireless networks, such as those in airports, public parks, cafes, and tourist areas, and never use personal information to log in to public use computers, such as those in internet cafes and hotel business centers. Before connecting to any network, confirm the correct network name and login procedures with hotel or venue staff to avoid connecting to unsecure, but similarly named networks.
If possible, use a mobile hotspot to connect to the Internet, rather than any public Wi-Fi network. Next, immediately connect to your VPN on all networks, and switch connection locations and even VPNs each day to prevent a slowed connection. Finally, ensure secure website access by confirming that the web address begins with https://.
When connecting to many Wi-Fi hotspots in China, Thailand, and other countries in Southeast Asia, such as those at coffee shops, users are required to enter an in-country phone number to access the network. Upon registration, local phone numbers must be linked to either a citizen identification number or a passport number. This prevents anonymous use of Wi-Fi hotspots. Therefore, the general risks of losing personally identifiable information while using public networks is increased by connecting additional personal information.
After your trip
After returning from your trip, scan all of your devices for malware, change passwords of accounts and devices used while abroad, and keep an eye on personal and company accounts for unauthorized use.
Conclusion
This article discusses some of the basic measures you can take to protect your digital security while traveling. This is important to protect your valuable intellectual property and proprietary data. For more detailed instructions on how to make sure your data is safe both abroad and at home, FAO Global offers tailored country/city packages for each organization that addresses the geo-political, security, and economic considerations specific to your organization.
For more questions please contact us at DC@FAOGlobal.com and team member will reach out to you shortly to discuss your specific interests and concerns.
About the Author:
Kayla Blomquist is a frequent contributor to FAO Global articles and projects. Her expertise is in International Development and Governance, with a focus on cyber issues. She holds a B.A. in International Relations and Public Policy from the University of Denver and has experience working with the U.S. Department of State and the Center for International Private Enterprise.
Tips from the Federal Communications Commission: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/cybersecurity-tips-international-travelers
Tips from the Department of Homeland Security:
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity%20While%20Traveling_7.pdf
U.S. Department of State tips on general travel security by country:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html
