Tips for guarding your online privacy while traveling

Summertime is now upon us in the Valley of the Sun. Hot temperatures on the rise mean many of us will retreat from the heat by traveling for a long weekend or an extended period of time. Please take a few minutes to refresh your memory regarding these best practices (getprotected.asu.edu/content/going-mobile) for guarding your online privacy while you are away:

• Take additional safeguards on your mobile devices if you are traveling, especially if you are traveling abroad.

• Be careful when connecting to any wireless access points, especially if they are unencrypted.

• Turn off wireless services when not in use (wifi, bluetooth, etc...).

• Always use the virtual private network, or VPN when connecting to any ASU resources.

• For travel to certain countries, do not take any computerized devices. Or, if absolutely necessary, get a loaner "burner" device that contains no data, and assume it is compromised and should be wiped clean upon return.

• For an added safety measure, please remember to enable encryption on your device see getprotected.asu.edu/diskencryption-basic.

• Be wary of who is behind you or looking over your shoulder at your screen, and consider using a screen shield or privacy guard.

• Never leave your device unattended, and make sure it is locked up securely in the place you are staying.

Another great tip is to turn on your “find my device” feature and your remote wipe capabilities (See Knowledge Base article about remotely wiping lost or stolen phones connected to ASU Exchange Accounts) just in case your phone is stolen or misplaced while traveling. Also, avoid announcing your trip ahead of time on social media. This tip may be especially difficult in today’s world but if you do post, make sure your settings are on private so only people you trust will know your whereabouts. Remember, just because you have secure privacy settings doesn’t mean that someone you don’t know won’t share. Share items you would only want duplicated in a “magazine” forever.

Sources:

Traveling (2016). Message posted to: getprotected.asu.edu/content/going-mobile

Falcon, P (2015, December 15). Guard Your Privacy when Offline or Traveling. Message posted to: er.educause.edu/blogs/2015/12/february-guard-your-privacy-when-offline-or-traveling