Security Tips for Traveling Abroad
A New York Times article, "Traveling Light in a Time of Digital Thievery," raises some interesting issues:
- Using only "loaner" devices when traveling
- Taking extra precautions in China and elsewhere
- How institutions in the United States are handling security in their foreign campuses
Here is a collection of institutional and governmental pages related to security and traveling abroad. Information Security or IT offices might consider sharing these tips with faculty, staff, or students planning to travel abroad. Also note that many institutions work with other departments to distribute security tips for traveling abroad - e.g., purchasing, procurement, compliance office, and IRBs.
The FBI has a brochure, Safety and Security for the Business Professional Traveling Abroad, encouraging business travelers to "take measures to ensure not only the safety and security of themselves but also their business information while traveling outside the United States."
Institutional Resources
Note: Most of these pages are recommendations by the institution, rather than requirements or policies.
- Baylor University
- Boston College Security Tips for Traveling Abroad
- Brown University Security Travel Tips and Prepare Your Mobile Device for Traveling
- Georgia Tech Computer Security Travel Tips (Export Controls and Embargoes)
- Harvard University Advisory for Travelers
- Penn State International Travel and Computer Equipment
- Princeton: Encryption and International Travel
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California Office of the President: 10 Things You Must Know Before Taking Your Laptop Overseas
- University of California, Santa Cruz Travel Security Policy, Tips, and Resources
- University of Chicago Travel Tips
- University of Iowa IT Travel Checklist and Export Control Management Program
- University of Maryland International Travel
- Vanderbilt Export Compliance
- Virginia Tech Guidance for International Travel
Governmental Links About Traveling
- FBI Brochure: Safety and Security for the Business Professional Traveling Abroad
- Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) Deemed Exports FAQs
- Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) Encryption FAQs
- Department of State's Travel Alerts and Warnings
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Travel by US Citizens/Lawful Permanent Residents
- U.S. Department of State Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC): Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, July 2015
- U.S. Department of State Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions
- U.S. Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Additional Resources
- Considerations Relating to Strong Cryptography (Note: Word document may automatically download.)
- EDUCAUSE Review article: "Designing IT Guidelines for Global Travel"
- Encryption 101
- Introduction to Full Disk Encryption
- National Defense Magazine article: Use Caution When Traveling with Encryption Software
- ThreatPost article: "Executives Abroad May Get Owned Before They're Off the Tarmac"
- Travel Recommendations (China/Russia) (PDF)
- Travel Recommendations (Other Countries) (PDF)
- Wired article: "Don't Want Your Laptop Tampered With? Just Add Glitter Nail Polish"
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