Another tip in a series provided by the Offices of Information Security, Information Systems & Computing and Audit, Compliance & Privacy

As we conclude the spring semester, remember that if you are planning to travel nationally or internationally, your responsibility to Penn and your responsibility to protect sensitive data does not end.

Before You Travel:

• Make sure to back up your data so that you can still access it in case your device is lost or stolen.
• If you need to bring a work laptop while traveling, discuss a loaner laptop with your department IT (information technology) support staff.
• Delete unneeded data from your computing device.
• Password protect your mobile device and enable the device location feature.
• Review Penn’s Two-Step Verification: Before you Travel page. Check the Department of State travel advisory webpages for international restrictions in areas you plan to visit. Please note that Penn’s two-step verification service, Duo, is unavailable in certain sanctioned countries. 
• Carry the number and address of your country’s embassy and consulate for the location you will be visiting.
• Install anti-virus software and run it at least once a week. Penn provides a free anti-virus for its eligible employees and students.

While Traveling:

• Keep essential documents in a secure location in your hotel room, or in a secure travel wallet or pouch that is hidden on your person.
• Access Penn-related work using secure channels such as the University’s VPN.
• Avoid connecting to systems with sensitive information using public Wi-Fi. Your phone hotspot may be a better option when needed.
• Be cautious connecting a foreign portable device, such as a USB drive or external hard drive, to your computer.

After Travel:

• Run anti-virus software. 
• Delete emails you did not expect to receive.
• Contact your IT support staff for after-travel guidance.

Resources:

• Two-Step Verification: Before You Travel: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/two-step-verification-before-you-travel.
• Sophos Home: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/how-to/sophos-home.
• Penn Global Travel Guidelines and Procedures: https://global.upenn.edu/travel-guidance/technology.
• Data Security on Foreign Travel: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/aware/practice/travel.

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For additional tips, see the  One Step Ahead link on the  Information Security website: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/news-alerts#One-Step-Ahead.