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