This tip is based on the actual experience of a University staff member on international travel.

Last June, I took two weeks off to travel out of the US. Before my travel, I completed several tasks and made sure to print Two-Step Verification codes in the event I needed access to my Penn accounts. Rushing to leave the office to finish packing, I forgot the verification codes. 

During my trip, an urgent work matter surfaced. I tried to log into my Penn account and was faced with the requirement to enter a verification code. I realized that I had forgotten the verification codes and panicked. In desperation, I looked at my smartphone hoping the Duo Mobile app could generate a code without any cellular or Wi-Fi network connection. To my pleasant surprise it worked, and I was able to access my Penn account.  

This experience reminded me to pay attention to a few awareness tips concerning access to Penn accounts while traveling: 

• Download the Duo Mobile app for Two-Step Verification to access Penn accounts.  
• Keep my device operating systems up-to-date with the latest security updates. 
• Print a list of Two-Step Verification codes to carry during travel and don’t forget it!  
• Back up data in a secure location and avoid carrying sensitive data in case of damage or theft.  
• Be cautious accessing work or personal accounts containing sensitive data on a public network.  

I also found ISC’s Office of Information Security tips on Data Security on Foreign Travel very helpful: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/aware/practice/travel

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