This week’s e-newsletter is the last one for 2022! I know that people will be traveling over the holidays for work and/or pleasure, so I want to share some tips for keeping you safe and your data secure.

Tips for Staying Secure While Traveling

• US Travel
  • Update all your apps on any device before you go.
  • Backup important data.
  • Enable additional security features, such as Touch ID, Face ID, etc., and things like timeouts so that your screen will lock after a short period of time.
  • Use the Pulse Secure VPN when you connect to anything UT-related, and I strongly recommend using the VPN for any online activity.
  • Don’t use public WiFi networks.
  • Manually terminate any and all WiFi connections when you are finished with what you are doing.

• International Travel
  • First, check the US Department of State site for county-specific regulations and risks to make sure you prepare yourself for following the laws where you are traveling, which is particularly important for certain countries.
    • Choose the country you are visiting from the dropdown list.
    • While you should read anything available for that country, make sure you pay very close attention to the Fact Sheet and the International Travel Information.
    • Note that not all countries allow VPN usage and there are dire penalties if caught using.
    • If you cannot use a VPN in the country you are visiting, it is best to not use a computer while there as everything you are doing online is being tracked.
  • Update all your apps on any device before you go.
  • Backup important data.
  • Delete any sensitive data, whether it is work-related or personal.
  • Save data on an encrypted USB flash drive and keep that drive in your possession at all times, but make sure the country will not fine or arrest you for using encryption!
  • Enable additional security features, such as Touch ID, Face ID, etc., and things like timeouts so that your screen will lock after a short period of time.
  • Use the Pulse Secure VPN when you connect to anything UT-related, and I strongly recommend using the VPN for any online activity.
  • Don’t use public WiFi networks and make sure you disable Bluetooth, GPS, etc., before you leave the US.
  • Information will likely be stolen when using the hotel’s free Internet access.
  • Never use the shared computers in the hotel’s business center.
  • Don’t use the hotel’s fax machine.
  • Manually terminate any and all WiFi connections when you are finished with what you are doing.
  • Be cautious of anyone who asks you a lot of questions, as some countries do use guides, interpreters, and drivers to report on your activities.
  • When you return, scan for malware before connecting to personal or UT networks.
  • It’s also a good idea to change any passwords you used while you were outside the US.

Whatever you do for the holidays, please have a wonderful and safe time! Thanks for all you do to protect the Institute and its data. And a big thanks to those who have given me thoughts for This Week’s Cybersecurity News. As always, if you need me and I don’t get back with you quickly enough via email or if it is an emergency, please call my cell number at any time.

And if you have been wondering about Gracie, your UTIA Chief Infurmation Security Kitty, she and I wish you very merry holiday season and we hope you have a very happy new year.

Sandy