UTS Security Brief: IT Security Tips for McMaster Users Travelling Abroad

IT Security Tips for McMaster Users Travelling Abroad
General Guidance for International Travel
- Never give out your password to at any point in time during your travel.
- Watch out for spam or unsolicited SMS text messages or emails asking you to do something urgent right away or anything to do with your financial information.
- Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection wherever possible, especially if needing to access personal or financial data at transit terminals or at your destination’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Always have either your work and/or personal device(s) on you or in your carry-on. If you need to store the device, ensure the battery and any storage devices (e.g. SD card, memory expansion cards) are removed prior to your departure.
- Acquire an International SIM from a reputable and trusted cell provider that’s supported in the country that you’re travelling to.
- Try to avoid any open Wi-Fi connection hotspots and use them as a last resort whenever possible.
Before Travel
- Ensure all software, applications and Windows or Apple products are all up to date.
- Have all important files and documents backed-up onto a physical portable hard drive, USB or a Cloud platform, such as Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive.
- Remove any sensitive files or documents on your phone or computer containing any logins to the websites you visit. Use a password manager, such as LastPass, Keeper, KeepassXC, etc.
- Ensure all security features that your device supports are enabled on your device (i.e. passcodes, PINs, biometrics, timeouts, etc.).
- Leave all nonessential devices at home if you’re not planning to use them all the time.
- Acquire an international SIM card from reputable providers at their standalone stores (i.e: Bell, Telus, etc..) if you plan to go overseas.
- If needed, use a loaner phone or computer that has doesn’t contain a lot of personal files, applications and contacts.
- If MFA is enabled on your account, ensure the device is properly working as intended (e.g: able to receive text messages or receive codes to the authenticator app).
During Travel
- Make sure to keep your devices and chargers in a safe place.
- Make sure to check the Wi-Fi you are connecting to and know it’s a recognized network.
- Do not store personal devices in checked baggage. Always have your devices in your carry-on or with you.
- Turn off unnecessary wireless communication services, such as location tracker and Bluetooth where applicable and when not actively using (e.g. listening to music or making calls).
- Make a note of the accounts and applications you’ve used during your trip.
After Travel
- Reset any account passwords and reinstall apps used on your trip.
- Clear browser history and session information.
- Make sure to re-check default sign-in methods if you had them changed.
- Check sign-in activity on your account a few days after travel to ensure no suspicious activity.
- Reset passcodes and switch devices if possible.
- Switch out the international travel SIM with the SIM provided by your Canadian service provide.
If you believe that you’ve fallen victim to a scam, fraud or tricked into giving away sensitive personal or financial information, report your claim to: c-it-security@mcmaster.ca
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