Cybersecurity Travel Tips

PLANNING
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ON YOUR TRIP |
AT THE AIRPORT AND ON THE PLANE
If you must use the Airport Wi-Fi, make sure you use a VPN. Some of the top VPN personal products include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark for use on your device. If you must check your school email on your trip, you MUST use a VPN solution on that device, including on your phone. If you need assistance setting up your VPN, reach out to IT. Also, confirm you are using the airport Wi-Fi by verifying the SSID (e.g., name of the network) via the airport information counter.
AT THE HOTEL, COFFEE SHOP, OR IN PUBLIC
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PHYSICAL SAFETY |
GETTING AROUND
Zello This push-to-talk app allows you to use your phone as a walkie-talkie in the event of communications breakdowns. GasBuddy In the event of an evacuation, commuters may need to find fuel quickly and in unfamiliar areas. This app is designed to help you find the nearest open station. Facebook Safety Check Allows friends and family to know your location and condition when you check in and helps you keep tabs on others in your area. Life360 Allows you to set a pre-programmed group text and notify the group automatically as you move from place to place. In Case of Emergency Standard Records vital medical information and puts it on the lock screen of your phone so that first responders and medical personnel can properly assess your condition. American Red Cross This app offers information and resources, including disaster preparedness and first aid information. Instructions are available in both English and Spanish and are downloadable in the event of network outages. Google Translate This app allows you to enter text in English and translates it into 132 other languages. It can be used to repeat what you say in English to people in their native language and dialect, and conversely, can record what someone is saying in their native language and translate to English. |
- Be aware of connectivity limitations when travelling to Restricted Travel Countries - The current list of Embargoed and Sanctioned Countries can be found here: Sanctions Programs and Country Information | Office of Foreign Assets Control (treasury.gov). TSD does block access from a large number of these countries to protect The School, staff, and students. YOU MUST leave your school devices at home if travelling to these countries, and YOU MUST notify IT before travelling to a Restricted Travel Country due to TSD IT policy. Keep in mind that IT will not provide tech support on your trip and does ask that you leave your school devices at home when travelling.
- Turn off auto connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - Airport and Hotel Wi-Fi is a hotbed for hackers trying to steal your information. Only connect to trusted networks and Bluetooth devices.
- Back up your critical data - Contacts, photos, videos, and data should be backed up to an encrypted external hard drive or on Google Drive before travel in the event of device or data loss on your trip.
- Don’t wait to update apps on your phone, tablet, and laptop – Utilize the secure and stable connection you have at The School or home to update devices before you leave.
Let us know before you go!
For questions about business or personal travel and how it might impact your technology needs, reach out to the TSD IT Team—we're here to help!