Traveling introduces opportunities for attackers to steal your laptop, institutional data, or even your personal identity or data. These tips will help you stay safe.
Before you go
- Back up all important data to Box.
- If possible, ask the IT help desk for a loaner laptop, and plan to leave your primary work laptop at home.
- Ask the IT help desk for a Duo hard token.
- Get Duo backup codes from UC Davis IT:
- Generate bypass codes at https://admin.uinform.ucdavis.edu/Me#duocodes (requires Duo authentication).
- Otherwise, contact UC Davis IT for help.
- Ask BOC for advice about bringing your business cell phone.
During your trip
- Keep your laptop with you in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage.
- Use the UC ANR VPN. This encrypts all your activity when you have to use public or shared Wi-Fi networks.
- Don't plug in untrusted accessories like public chargers or USB drives.
- Avoid posting about your trip on social media, as attackers may take the opportunity for social engineering or deepfakes.
After you return
- If you used a loaner laptop, do not connect it to any networks when you return. Give it to the IT help desk so they can transfer your data and securely wipe the device.
- If you used your primary work laptop, run a full antivirus scan.
- Change your Portal password and any other passwords you used while traveling.
Resources
- Travel Advice with Jaki Wojan (UC ANR YouTube)
- Traveling with electronic devices (UCOP)
- Tips for Traveling Safely with Technology (UC Davis)