- Ensure that all of your devices have a passcode or password.
- Don’t take sensitive data with you if you do not need it.
- Enable location services and encryption on your device.
- Keep your device with you.
- Investigate and understand data rules outside the U.S.
- Plan ahead on how you will connect to the Internet.
Prior to traveling domestically or abroad take a few minutes to review your security practices. A lost, stolen or compromised device not only disrupts your travels, but can quickly lead to a very challenging situation. Use the checklist below to protect yourself and your device:
Do all of the devices you are taking with you have a password or passcode on it? Do all of your devices have a timeout feature to auto lock?
- Having passwords on your devices (laptops and smartphones) is a great way to start protecting yourself and Colgate’s data. This stops the initial attempt to pick up a device and start looking at your emails or any other data.
Can you access your data remotely?
- Consider leaving behind unnecessary storage devices (e.g. thumb drives) and not storing data on your desktop.
- Colgate offers centralized data storage that is backed up and can still be accessed on the road.
- Google Drive has unlimited storage and is available everywhere.
Do you have a safe way to connect to the Internet when you travel?
- Be careful of what you do on free public connections.
- Use Colgate’s VPN connection.
- Check out a portable hotspot device from the library.
Is your data backed up?
- Use Colgate’s enterprise backup solution – CrashPlan. Should anything happen to your computer, your data can be restored to a loaner computer so that you can continue to work.
Is your device setup to encrypt your data?
- With your data backed up we can encrypt your devices. Should your devices be lost or stolen we can be be sure that your data is protected and unusable.
Are location services turned on?
- Depending on your device there are ways to help locate them and also remotely wipe them in case of a lost or stolen device.
Is your device small enough and light enough that you’re willing to keep it with you?
- Unattended devices are at risk of being stolen.
- Consider your choice of device bags to maximize keeping devices with you.
- ITS has devices that can be borrowed that may suit your travel needs.
If you’re traveling abroad, do you understand the digital rules at your destination?
- Prior to travel, quickly research what issues or laws may apply to your devices, including access to non-secure Wi-Fi, encryption rules, and requests from police to unlock a device. [link to the goods]
Please check with your support team on which solutions are best suited for your needs.
For more information, contact the ITS Help Desk at extension 7111 or email ITSHelp@colgate.edu.
Contributors: Ellen Holm, Ahmad Khazaee, Kevin Lynch and Mark Hine.