USU

This article summarizes the best practices for IT security while travelling abroad.

Before you travel

Confirm all travel plans using reliable lodging and transportation.
Check your travel destination on the Country Risk Levels website to assess potential danger. Consider not taking a device with any university assets to any country listed Medium or higher.
Only take devices or information that you will absolutely need.
Remove any sensitive data form the device storage, or ensure they are stored remotely on a secure cloud service, like Box
Set up multi factor authentication on all important online cloud services you can use Microsoft MFA through your university account.
Consider backing up any travelling device in case of compromise.
Install and configure a Virtual Private Network (VPN) before leaving. (Windows instructions, Mac instructions)
Ensure your devices are up to date with your current operating system updates.
Consider hard drive encryption through programs like Bitlocker for windows or FileVault for mac.
Install an anti-virus or system monitoring applications on any travelling device. USU uses SentinelOne for both anti-virus and system monitoring. You could also use something like Windows Defender, Malaware Bytes or others.

Keep all devices with you whenever possible.
Don't plug devices into public charging stations, use power outlets from reliable lodging.
Don't connect to unknown Wi-Fi access points or bluetooth devices.
Set your devices to not auto-connect to Wi-Fi or bluetooth devices.
Use your VPN whenever possible.
Don't connect to any exterior devices that you don't know and trust. (USB drives, hotel printers, etc)

Consider changing any passwords that you used while abroad in case of compromise.
Run antivirus scans on your devices.
Monitor your devices, bank accounts, and computer systems for suspicious activity or symptoms.

Consider taking a loaner device from the IT Service Desk. Contact 435-797-HELP to check availability.
Ensure that any work or university data is protected along with personal information. Save any needed work on cloud based devices like box instead of your local hard drive.
Work with your assigned IT support staff to ensure any device you take meets the baseline standards found in USU’s Device Security Standards knowledgebase article.
You can email Security@usu.edu to let them know you'll be travelling abroad in case they see activity from your account in another country.
Return your loaner device to the IT Service Desk upon return.

For further assistance, please contact your Department IT Support or the IT Service Desk