Bags packed? check! Passport in hand? check! Reservation
information handy? check!
Cybersecurity precautions? check? Many of you are going to
be traveling abroad this year and you have asked us what you need to do to stay safe while
away.
Going out of the country, whether for work or play is an
adventure. Most of us think about safety precautions such as having contact information,
contingency plans, even planning for the weather. But we have heard from viewers that you don’t
really know where to begin to protect your digital safety. That’s where cyber expert,
Theresa Payton, comes in. Her tips are both for the leisure travel or adventure seeker and the
workers traveling abroad on business.
7 SAFETY STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE OR WORK:
1 Make a full backup of all your files before you travel. If
you are going to take a device with you, remove sensitive data from that device, if
possible
2 Make sure all the devices you take with you have auto lock
turned on with strong passwords. Create different passwords that you will use for
the trip and plan to change them when you get home
3 Update all operating systems, browsers, and antivirus
software
4 Pare it down - do you really need a smart phone, laptop,
and tablet?
5 Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the
State Department can better assist you in an emergency, it’s free:
https://travelregistration.state.gov.
6 Look at country specific warnings at the following State Department
site: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html
7 Enable the encryption feature on your device - call your
manufacturer if you cannot find the steps to do this
PERSONAL IDENTITY & PHYSICAL SAFETY TIPS
1. When using an ATM for cash transactions, choose the ones
at banks
2. Consider using RFID wallets and passport covers to stop
closeby snoops from trying to read your information
3. Never broadcast on social media networks where you are
going or checking in at locations in the moment - you not only tell people where you but you also
are broadcasting an empty house!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FOREIGN TRAVEL
1. SECURITY & PRIVACY=NONE
Do not expect security or privacy in Internet cafes, hotels,
offices, or public places. Many local networks overseas could be havens
for malware - be suspicious of connecting to “free” WiFi or internet - it could come with a
nasty “free” bonus.
2. DEVICE IN LINE OF SIGHT:
Always keep your device with you instead of in the hotel
room, if possible. If not, discreetly lock it up. Assume that all information that you transmit: phone,
internet, fax, or telephone could be intercepted.
3. FEATURES AND DEVICES OFF IF NOT IN USE.
When devices are not in use, turn them off and take the
battery out to prevent GPS tracking or snoops via the microphone or camera. Disable services such
as “bluetooth” and “file sharing”so you don’t accidentally broadcast your whereabouts. Turn
off the microphone and the camera feature of your phone when it is not in use.
5. TALK ABOUT WHERE YOU WERE NOT WHERE YOU ARE:
Cybercriminals watch social networks frequently looking for
those US travelers that have broadcasted they are away and target them for social
engineering and other fraud scams.
6. DEVICE INSPECTIONS:
In some countries, if the customs official demands to
examine your device, they might compromise it
7. MAYBE A LOANER IS A BETTER BET?
Consider taking a loaner device instead of your own - there are
many companies that will rent a smart phone or tablet for you. Some international hotels
will rent out a tablet or smart phone for a fee.
WORD OF THE WEEK: BIT BUCKET
Have you ever lost a document? Blame it on the bit bucket.
It’s the place in cyberspace where missing documents or files are said to end up. Kind of how
you end up with 1 sock after a pair goes through the washer.
WEB RESOURCES:
Travel tips from the National Counterintelligence Executive:
http://www.ncix.gov/publications/reports/docs/traveltips.pdf
For tips for traveling abroad see the Department of State
site at: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/tips_1232.html
New York Times article that highlights the perils of digital
safety while traveling overseas
FBI’s Crime Center (IC3) Posted a notice regarding travelers
picking up malware when
connecting through hotel internet connections:
New York University highlights Step by Step Instructions to
turn on encryption and other safety
features for these devices at:
http://www.nyu.edu/its/mobile/security/
● BlackBerry
● iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
● Android
No comments:
Post a Comment