To: Campus Community and Student Body
From: Orlando Leon, Chief Information Officer
Date: May 7, 2018
Subject: Cyber-security While Traveling

Cyber-security should not be limited to the home, office, or classroom. As we head into the summer travel season, it is important to practice safe online behavior and secure our Internet-enabled mobile devices whenever we travel. The more we access the Internet on the go, the more cyber-risks we face. No one is exempt from the threat of cyber-crime, at home or abroad, but you can follow these simple tips to stay safe online when traveling.

Before You Go....

• Update your mobile software. Treat your mobile devices like your home or work computer. Keep your operating system software and apps updated, which will improve your device’s ability to defend against malware.
• Backup your information. Backup your contacts, photos, videos and other mobile device data with another device or cloud service.
• Keep it locked. Get into the habit of locking your devices when you are not using it. Even if you only step away for a few minutes, that is enough time for someone to steal or destroy your information. Use strong PINs and passwords.

While You Are There ......

• Stop auto connecting. Disable automatic wireless connectivity and Bluetooth. Some devices will automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. Disable these features so that you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks when you want to. If you cannot disable the automatic wireless connectivity, such as with most recent iPhones and iPads, then remove (i.e. “forget”) public wireless networks from your settings.
• Think before you connect. Before you connect to any public wireless hot spot – like on an airplane or in an airport, hotel, train/bus station or café – be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. Do not conduct sensitive activities, such as online shopping, banking, or sensitive work, using a public wireless network. If you must engage in such activities, only use sites that begin with “https://” when online shopping or banking. Using your mobile network connection is generally more secure than using a public wireless network.
• Think before you click. Use caution when downloading or clicking on any unknown links. Delete emails that are suspicious or are from unknown sources. Review and understand the details of an application before installing.
• Guard your devices. To prevent theft and unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information, never leave your mobile devices–including any USB or external storage devices–unattended in a public place. Keep your devices secured in taxis, at airports, on airplanes, and in your hotel room.
• Publicly accessible computers. Hotel business centers, libraries, and cyber cafes provide computers that anyone can use. However, travelers cannot trust that these computers are secure. They may not be running the latest operating systems or have updated anti- virus software. Cyber criminals may have infected these machines with malicious viruses, install malicious software, or install listening devices, such as keyloggers, allowing cyber-criminals to receive users’ personal information, such as name, credit card numbers, birth-dates, and passwords.
• Physical theft of devices. Thieves often target travelers. Meal times are optimum times for thieves to check hotel rooms for unattended laptops. If you are attending a conference or trade show, be especially wary — these venues offer thieves a wider selection of devices that are likely to contain sensitive information, and the conference sessions offer more opportunities for thieves to access guest rooms.
• Avoid posting social media announcements about your travel plans; such announcements make you an easy target for thieves. Wait until you’re home to post your photos or share details about your trip.

When You Return ......

• Change passwords. Change any and all passwords you may have used.
• Run full antivirus scans on your devices.
• Check your credit card statements for any discrepancies for at least one year after you return.
• Delete apps. If you downloaded any apps specifically for your trip and no longer need them, be sure to delete those apps and the associated data.
• Post all of your photos on social media and enjoy reliving the experience!

If you have any questions or need any support in preparation for summer plans or travel, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Help Desk team at McKee Fisk.

Safe Travels!
Orlando Leon, Chief Information Officer

#CyberAware #Privacy

Get savvy about WiFi hotspots, which aren’t secure. Limit sensitive transactions or use #VPN.
Stay safe while traveling. Learn more. Tips for smarter travel.