International Travel Tips

Owned by Michael Brunn
Last updated: Aug 06, 2024 by Liz Christopher
3 min read

When traveling abroad, it’s essential to be aware that there is no expectation of privacy. Assume that cyber “eavesdropping” could potentially occur on all electronic communications at your destination, U.S. ports of entry, and during your travel. To safeguard the confidentiality of your data and hardware, follow these steps before, during, and after your trip.

Before You Go
Staying Secure While Abroad
When You Return
Countries with Active Sanctions Programs

Before You Go

Protect Your Passwords

  • Reset any passwords that will expire while traveling before your departure. Test and confirm that everything works.

  • Recommendation: Use a personal password manager or vault.

  • Set strong passwords, passcodes, or PINs on all devices, including personal ones, to prevent unauthorized access in case of loss or theft. 

Verify Your VPN

  • Ensure that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is installed and configured on all devices you plan to connect to the internet while traveling.

Install Updates

  • Make sure all your devices and applications are fully updated.

  • Verify that your Endpoint/Antivirus software is up to date.

Travel Light

  • Bring only the data you need for your trip and remove any sensitive or confidential information.

  • Specifically, remove student records, proprietary data, university documents, personal/financial information, and any other sensitive data that should not be made public.

  • It’s acceptable to keep materials related to travel arrangements, presentations, educational information, and other public domain documents on your laptop.

Back Up Everything

  • Before departure, verify backups of all your devices and data. This step is crucial in case of loss or theft.

Device Encryption

  • Confirm that personal devices have encryption enabled to safeguard your data.

Support

  • Create multiple copies of support information, including contact numbers and email addresses. Store these copies in various locations.

Staying Secure While Abroad

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

  • Unlocking Devices: Some countries may require you to unlock your devices (both personal and UWO-issued) for inspection. Always comply with local regulations.

  • Stay Vigilant: Maintain awareness of your surroundings for personal safety and the security of your data and devices.

  • Password Entry Caution: When entering usernames and passwords, be cautious - observers nearby might attempt to obtain your credentials.

Be Cautious of Public Wi-Fi

  • Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, allowing anyone to “listen” without a password. Hackers could potentially steal sensitive information like login credentials and credit card numbers.

  • Recommendation: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service to encrypt your internet connection and protect against cyber threats.

Limit Access to Restricted Information

  • Avoid accessing confidential, sensitive, proprietary, research, or export-restricted data from your electronic devices. Minimize interception risks.

  • Remember: Not all information should be accessed while abroad.

Use a VPN Service

  • Connect to UWO’s VPN service. It encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding your sensitive information from potential hackers and cybercriminals. 

Disconnect When Possible

  • Disable Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular services when not in use. This practice enhances device security.

Avoid Public Computers or Devices

  • Never use shared computers in cybercafes, public areas, hotel business centers, or foreign institutions to access systems protected by a username and password (whether for UWO or personal use).

Keep Your Devices with You

  • Always keep electronic devices (cell phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) in your possession, even if you don’t plan to use them immediately.

  • Never Leave Unattended: Don’t leave devices in your hotel room or pack them in checked luggage. If necessary, secure them in hotel room safes or use physical cable locks.

In Case of Loss or Theft

  • Report any loss or theft of electronic devices promptly to local authorities and the UWO Help Desk. Don’t wait until your return to report incidents.

When You Return

Change Passwords

  • Use a trusted computer (not one you traveled with) to change your passwords.

  • Update passwords for all services you accessed while traveling, including your UWO account and any personal email, social media, or financial sites.

  • Important: Avoid reusing the same password for multiple services. Always choose unique, strong, and complex passwords.

Countries with Active Sanctions Programs

This list changes regularly, for the most up to date information check out the Sanctions Programs and Country Information on the Office of Foreign Assets Control website.

  • Afghanistan

  • Belarus

  • Burma (Myanmar)

  • Central African Republic

  • China (including Hong Kong)

  • Cuba - Microsoft applications will not work

  • Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • Iran

  • Iraq

  • Mali

  • Nicaragua

  • North Korea

  • Palestine

  • Russia

  • Somalia

  • Sudan

  • South Sudan

  • Syria

  • Ukraine

  • Venezuela

  • Yemen

  • Zimbabwe