Cyber Safe Summer Travels
The SANS Institute* published some tips for vacation cybersecurity. Here is a summary.
*SANS is a thought leader and premier cybersecurity awareness and training organization.
https://www.sans.org/newsletters/ouch/top-cybersecurity-tips-for-vacations/
Mobile Devices – Bring as few devices as possible.
· You are far more likely to lose a device than have one stolen.
· Double-check that you have all your devices when leaving a hotel, restaurant, or terminal.
· Keep your devices updated to the latest OS and applications versions
· Enable screen lock with a stronger passcode
· Enable remote tracking and remote wipe
· Ensure your data is backed up, so you can wipe if lost
Wi-Fi Connections – Remember when traveling that you have no way to know who configured, who is monitoring, or who else is connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
· Try to connect to a personal hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi when possible
· If using public Wi-Fi network, connect to your VPN to protect your communications and device
Public Computers – Avoid using them to login to accounts with sensitive information, when possible.
· You have no way to know how the computer is set up, secured, or used before or after you use it.
· A compromised computer can have a keystroke logger or other malware already running on it when you use it, which can harvest what you type into the keyboard.
· Use devices that you control and trust, whenever possible.
Social Media – Consider what you post to social media while traveling.
· We do not always know who every friend or viewer who may be online.
· Avoid oversharing and consider waiting until you return home.
· Don’t post pictures of boarding passes, drivers licenses, passports.
Work – If you are working (hopefully not!!), check work-travel policies in advance.
· Including which devices you can bring and how to remotely connect to work systems safely.
International Travel – Prior to your travel, be sure to visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html , https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html or, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/references/world-travel-facts/ to obtain country background, updated travel advisories and the current political situation of the countries being visited.
For more information on cyber security and information security tips, including tips on safe travels, visit our website at www.odu.edu/safecomputing.
J. Douglas Streit, CISSP
Executive Director & CISO
IT Security & Planning
Information Technology Services
Old Dominion University
http://www.odu.edu/directory/people/j/jstreit
Posted By: John Streit
Date: Thu Apr 28 07:31:42 EDT 2022