Traveling Internationally

Traveling internationally can pose significant risks to information stored on or accessible through the computers, tablets and smartphones that we take with us.  Some of the risk is associated with increased opportunities for the loss or theft of the device due to the increased amount of direct physical handling of the equipment by individuals, and just merely the distraction of traveling. Additionally, our devices are put at risk because they will use networks that may be managed by entities that monitor and capture network traffic for competitive or malicious purposes.

US Customs and Border Protection – Quick Reference

Inspection of Electronic Devices

Printable Travel Guide

Pocket Guide to Protecting your Data

Preparing for a trip

  • International travelers should limit the amount of information, classified as high or medium risk, that is stored on or accessible to any mobile device taken on the trip.  Understand the classification of the data you bring or access.

    • Customs and Border Patrol can’t search what you don’t have, including data. Limit what you bring with you.
    • Removing unnecessary high or medium risk data from any device will reduce risk of exposure for those who may gain access to the device.
    • Refer to Colby's Data Classification Policy for assistance with identifying classifications of risk.

  • Backup your data and remove files from your device that you don’t need.

    • Loaner computers may be available, consult ITS Support to see if this is an option by contacting support@colby.edu or calling 207-859-4222.

    • Consider moving your documents to a College-provided folder (Filer) that you can access remotely instead of carrying these files on your local device(s).

  • Identify “high risk” countries you plan to visit
    • State.gov issues current travel alerts & warnings.
    Learn about software and hardware travel restrictions
    • import /export controls differ by country – care needs to be taken when traveling to certain countries.

Considerations during a trip

  • When traveling by air, TSA recommends that travelers carry their laptops on to their flights instead of placing them inside checked baggage.

    • A laptop, even if it is in a laptop bag, does not count as a flyer’s carry-on item. In addition to a traditional carry-on bag, flyers are also allowed to bring one extra item on to a flight with them.

    • Avoid using public workstations

      • Public workstations cannot be trusted. Anything entered into one of these systems – IDs, passwords, etc… may be captured and used.

    • When accessing any Colby College resource, use the VPN where allowed.

      • VPN access may be limited based upon where you are located, as some do not allow VPN access from their county or province.

    • Be aware of your surroundings when working on your devices.

      • Shoulder surfing is a common way in which people can learn your passwords and user names.

    • In the event of a theft or lost device contact the ITS Support Center at support@colby.edu or 207-859-4222.

Upon return to campus

  • Change any passwords you used during your travel.

    • Upon returning home and returning your loaner device, change any passwords you used while you were traveling. Perform this from your normal Colby issued device

 

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