Overview
International travel for academic research, professional collaboration, or college business exposes your devices (laptops, tablets, and smartphones) to heightened cybersecurity risks. When you’re away from familiar environments, threats like theft, insecure networks, and government surveillance increase significantly. Some countries actively monitor internet usage and may even try to access sensitive or proprietary information.
To safeguard both Lafayette College data and your personal information, proactive planning and vigilance are essential while you’re abroad. These guidelines will help you minimize risks and maintain data security.
Choose Your Device Wisely
- Loaner or Clean Device: If you need to work while abroad, contact the Help Desk for a loaner laptop or device. Alternatively, consider taking a “clean” personal device that has been wiped of sensitive institutional, research, and personal information.
- Update Your Device: Before you leave, verify that your device’s operating system, applications, and antivirus software are all up to date.
Prepare for Limited Connectivity
- International Data: Contact your phone carrier about international roaming and data plans. Using your phone for tethering might be a safer alternative to public Wi-Fi.
- Download Materials: Download any online materials you might need. Some countries block access to services like Lafayette Google Workspace, YouTube, Google, Facebook, Twitter, and various blogs.
- Notify Contacts: Let people know in advance that you might have limited access to email, as some governments restrict access to Google Workspace (Gmail).
Follow Local Laws
- Respect VPN Restrictions: Be aware that some countries prohibit VPN use. Attempting to bypass these restrictions can lead to legal penalties or accusations of espionage.
- DO NOT use Lafayette VPN or illegally bypass VPN blocks in prohibited regions. Doing so could put you at risk of being accused of cyber espionage or other crimes.
- More information on VPN at Lafayette.
Practice Safe Internet Use
- Prioritize Cellular Data: If possible, use your cellular carrier’s network as your primary internet connection.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Assume any network you use is insecure, including public and free Wi-Fi services, those in business centers, cyber cafés, libraries, and even friends’ networks.
- Use eduroam: When visiting other universities and colleges, use eduroam Wi-Fi access. It’s available to students, faculty, and staff.
Limit Exposure on Shared Devices
- No Sensitive Data: Never access or enter sensitive data when using a shared or public computer.
- Use Private Browse: When using a shared or public computer, always use the web browser’s private browse or incognito feature to prevent it from saving your browsing history and downloads.
Protect Your Devices
- Decline External Media: Do not accept USB thumb drives or other removable media from any source.
Avoid Public Updates: Never accept software updates on public Wi-Fi or hotel internet connections.
- Use Your Own Charger: Only use your own charger plugged directly into an outlet; avoid public charging ports.
- Disable Unused Features: Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when not in use to limit potential unauthorized access to your device or data.
- Keep Devices Secure: Keep your devices with you at all times. If your device is taken by airport officials or customs, assume it has been compromised. Immediately notify Lafayette ITS if a theft or loss occurs by emailing help@lafayette.edu or calling 610-330-5501.
Erase Travel Devices
Perform a factory reset on any personal or loaner devices used abroad to remove potential malware or data exposure.