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Cybersecurity at NC State

Technology for Travel

Securing your Mobile Device for International Travel

If you travel internationally with a laptop, tablet or smartphone, your devices and data are at risk of loss and theft. A stolen device could result in a compromised university account — giving criminals direct access to NC State systems and sensitive information. If malware is installed on your device while traveling, it could be used to compromise systems and data when you reconnect your device to the university network.

While high-risk countries may require extra caution, all international travel comes with risk. The best way to stay secure when traveling abroad is to leave mobile devices at home if you don’t need them.

Consult with your local IT or the NC State Help Desk if you need assistance with any of the following steps.

Before You Leave

  • Set strong passwords, passcodes or screen locks on all devices to protect your information if the device is stolen.
  • Change your Unity password. This password expires at least once per year and more frequently in certain situations. Changing your password before you travel minimizes the chance you will need to change it again. See the Password Change Form.
  • Install updates to your devices’ operating systems, antivirus software and apps to protect against bugs and vulnerabilities.
  • Back up your files and leave a copy in a secure location, such as your office or a departmental fileshare.
  • Consider taking a disposable or rental smartphone rather than your personal phone, especially when traveling to high-risk countries. Enable multifactor authentication by downloading the Duo Mobile app and enrolling the device. If you opt for a security key instead of the app, set up a PIN on the security key for better protection.
  • Assess the sensitivity of information stored on your devices. Determine whether it contains grades or comments on student work, unpublished research, proprietary information or personally identifying information. Encrypt, password protect or remove the information — or just leave the device at home.
  • You may be taking information, technology, software or equipment that is subject to export control laws. It’s your responsibility to ensure these items may be legally and safely transported to another country.
  • Turn off print and file sharing.
  • Enable the operating system firewall on your laptop.
  • Ask your local IT about tracking software in the event your device is lost or stolen.

While Traveling

  • Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you are not using them.
  • Use caution with public Wi-Fi. Although convenient, using public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels and restaurants puts your information at risk. Activities like online shopping and banking are especially risky.
  • If you do connect to public Wi-Fi, always use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your connection secure. For university business, use the NC State VPN.
  • If you suspect sensitive university information may have been compromised, notify the university and local authorities immediately.

When You Return

  • Change any passwords or passcodes used while traveling.
  • Update and patch all devices.
  • Ask your local IT to wipe and reset any loaner, rental or disposable devices.
  • Unenroll any loaner, rental or disposable devices from Duo.
  • If you realize your device was lost or stolen while you were away, report it immediately.
  • Ask your local IT to scan your devices for malware and report it if anything is found.

Additional NC State Resources