Remember cybersecurity should not be limited to just the home or office. It is very important to practice safe online behavior when preparing for your vacation.
So, who’s ready for a summer vacation? As everyone knows, no matter where you’re headed, having fun and relaxing is the goal. If you’re going to be traveling abroad, there’ll be plenty to think about in preparation – including what clothes you’re going to take and exciting places you’re going to visit. Individuals face a variety of threats when traveling and best practices should start long before boarding the plane. For instance, did you know, that you should report international travel to the security department prior to leaving?
Whether you are traveling for vacation or Kent State official business, take time to follow some simple practices to help keep your personal and institutional data safe and your vacation plans from going awry. If you are going to be traveling, please contact your local support members for help securing your laptops and mobile devices to take cybersecurity on the road! If you are traveling internationally, please email the Office of Security and Access Management at security@kent.edu with your departure date. This checklist will help prepare yourself and your technology for the unique threats of global travel. In this newsletter we will cover simple yet effective travel safety tips.
If you intend to connect to email or other Kent State resources while away, please do the following before leaving
- Contact your local support staff for help securing your laptops and mobile devices.
- If you are traveling internationally, email the Office of Security and Access Management at security@kent.edu, 330-672-5566 (x25566 on-campus) with your departure date.
Get wise about public WiFi
- Using public WiFi at the airport or hotel is convenient, but public networks and hotspots are not secure. Anyone using that same public network can potentially see what you are doing on your devices while you are connected.
- Your device settings should be set to ask permission before connecting to any WiFi network.
If it’s a public free WiFi you need to USE the KSU VPN!
- You can hide your network activity and data from others. VPN’s mask your location and encrypt the data sent to and from your devices.This is the case for laptops, iPads, tablets, and smartphones. For help installing the KSU VPN, please view these instructions.
Avoid using quick charge booths
- It is recommended that you avoid using public USB connections, commonly found in airports and coffee shops, to charge your devices as they might be able to steal the information on your phone.
- Use your OWN wall socket charger with your OWN USB port, it is much safer!!
Do not post your location/agenda/photos on social media online while traveling!
- Sharing your agenda or location on social media allows for potential thieves to keep track of where you are allowing them an opportunity to break into your home.
- Post your trip photos once you get home.
Keep your devices locked and secured!
- It is important that laptops, phones, tablets are never left unattended for even a few minutes.
- Lock valuables in a safe in your hotel room if one is available.
- Use strong PINs and passwords.
- Make sure that all devices are password protected. Use a passcode or security feature (like finger swipe) to lock your phone or mobile device in case it is misplaced or stolen.
Enable security features to protect and “Find My Phone”
- Set up the “find my phone” feature on your devices. This allows you to find, remotely wipe data and/or disable the device if it gets into the wrong hands.
Own it? Secure it and protect it!
Faculty, staff:
- Please use this checklist to prepare yourself and your technology, for the unique threats of global travel.
- Make sure you have contact information for your local IT support professional before you leave.
- Contact your local support members for help securing your laptops and mobile devices.
- If you are traveling internationally, please email the Office of Security and Access Management at security@kent.edu with your departure date.
Enjoy your travels!