How To Protect Yourself
When traveling abroad, you need to know how to protect yourself and your belongings.
Foreign travel increases the risk of foreign intelligence targeting. Collection techniques can include eavesdropping, surveillance, hotel intrusions, tracking of your ATM transactions, or intercepts of your emails, faxes, phone conversations, or text messages.
Gaining access to your personnel/work hardware and information can be under the guise of malicious software, enhanced interviews conducted by customs officials, or foreign customers exceeding their limitations of the export licenses on file through blackmail or extortion.
Before You Go
Your preparations will depend upon your destination and the trip's length and purpose.
Before you go, inform others of your itinerary including family, friends, coworkers, or your security point of contact. Check with the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization about the health and immunization information for your travel location. Try to have a working knowledge of the local laws, customs, and the local language.
STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to recieve the latest security updates from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to recieve security messages to make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Enroll for a FREE STEP account. Set up one account, and then add trips later for all your future travel plans!
Crime is one of the biggest threats facing travelers.
- Maintain a low profile
- Conceal your material wealth
- Always remain alert and maintain a cautious attitude
- Whenever possible, travel in groups
- Be alert to anyone who appears to be following you
- Avoid isolated roads, danger areas, and civil disturbances
- Avoid establishing routines
Frequently Asked Questions
International travel comes with unique risks and challenges, particularly when it comes to the privacy and security of personal electronic devices. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the authority to search and copy the contents of travelers' laptops and other electronic devices. This means that travelers may be asked to provide credentials and encryption keys to access their devices. This practice is not limited to the U.S. and Americans can expect similar treatment when visiting other countries.
Noncompliance with such requests can have serious consequences, including the seizure of devices or denial of entry into the host country. Once travelers arrive at their destination, they are still at risk of having their confidential, controlled, and sensitive data compromised. For example, some countries prohibit encryption, while others view all encryption with suspicion. In addition, physical loss and digital espionage can put confidential information or tools to access it at risk.
When traveling abroad, it is important to assume that there is no expectation of privacy, and to take extra precautions to protect your electronic devices and sensitive information. This includes being aware that eavesdropping on electronic communications may take place at any point during the travel process, from the U.S. ports of entry and in the destination country. To minimize these risks, it is recommended that travelers take steps such as encrypting data, using secure networks, and leaving sensitive devices and information at home whenever possible.
Before you go, inform others of your itinerary, know the local laws and customs of your destination, establish a point of contact for your family, and make copies of your passport and other important documents.
Contact ODU ITS to obtain a loaner device while abroad. A loaner device can minimize the risk of compromising sensitive information during transit. Only load necessary data and information onto the device and set password controls to prevent unauthorized access.
If a loaner device is not available, travelers should take proactive steps to prepare their own devices for international travel. This includes backing up all data, removing any non-essential information, and refraining from traveling with confidential or sensitive information, even if it is encrypted. Certain data is prohibited from being transported outside the country due to U.S. export control regulations.
Travelers should also disable password storage for services and applications and update their antivirus software, security patches, and firewalls.
It is recommended that travelers always keep their electronic devices with them and avoid leaving them unattended, even in hotel rooms or safes. It is advised that electronic devices should not be packed in checked luggage or entrusted to others to watch over.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are often targeted by information thieves, making it important to exercise caution when using these networks. Connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or refraining from accessing websites containing confidential information, such as banking sites, can help to ensure that personal data is not compromised.
Turning off Bluetooth, cellular services, and Wi-Fi when not in use is also recommended to minimize the risk of unauthorized access. When accessing confidential or sensitive information from an electronic device, it is best to use a secure VPN connection unless encryption is prohibited in the host country.
In the event of loss or theft, travelers should immediately report the incident to local authorities, their departmental IT staff, or ODUFSO@odu.edu. Keeping contact information separate from electronic devices can help in these situations.
Be aware that some countries require you to leave your passport with hotel reception overnight so it may be checked by local authorities.
It is recommended to only patronized reputable hotels in low threat areas. Make sure to note escape routes, secure your doors and windows, and keep the television or radio on when away from your room.
Do not stay in hotel rooms that are located on the first floor or easily accessible from the outside. Do not accept any deliveries unless previously arranged and do not leave your room key at the front desk.
Try to attempt to blend in with your surroundings by concealing your material wealth, exchanging your money into the local currency, and driving an inconspicuous vehicle. It is recommended to use unmarked parking spaces and vary where you park day to day. Only share information about your personal life and security efforts to trusted friends and security personnel.