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Travel and Work Remotely - Securely and Safely!

Stay safe while traveling and working remotely:


A good rule of thumb when working away from the office for any reason is to assume your devices will be lost, stolen, compromised, or even confiscated at an international border at some point during your trip, and plan accordingly. It is also important to remember that anything you do over unsecured Wi-Fi may be able to be seen by others, including your passwords and the contents of your messages. With all this in mind:

  • Do not proceed to a website if you get a bad certificate warning.
  • Encrypt your devices, whether they are UCSF or personal property if used in any way for UCSF purposes. UCSF IT Security provides and supports encryption software for Windows and macOS computers to the UCSF community at no charge. More information about Dell Data Protection Encryption (DDPE) is available at: Dell Data Protection Encryption (DDPE).  Jamf Pro is now used to manage and validate FileVault encryption on newer Macs.  More information about Jamf Pro at UCSF is available at: Jamf Pro at UCSF.
  • Don’t send UCSF data to your personal email account. In fact, UCSF policy prohibits the use of personal email accounts for UCSF business.
  • Only bring what you’re willing to lose – both stored information and the devices themselves, even if they are encrypted. Make sure your devices or data are fully backed up.
  • If you’re traveling for UCSF business, research, or as an international student or scholar, work with the UCSF IT Service Desk to make sure you’re taking a clean machine or an appropriate loaner device and that you have the tools you need to connect to the Internet securely.
  • When traveling on UCSF business, register your trip for free traveler insurance coverage.
  • Immediately report lost or stolen devices used for any UCSF business to the IT Service Desk by calling 415-514-4100

Additional concerns at home:

  • Ensure you keep your home wireless network secure and up to date.
  • Children and pets pose additional risks. Cats like to jump on keyboards and inquisitive kids could alter your work. If possible, try to keep them away from your work devices.

Special notes for international travelers:

  • There are special rules for bringing electronic equipment, research, intellectual property, and encryption technology abroad. Consult with UCSF Export Control Officer Joan Doherty well in advance of your trip if you are planning to take University equipment, data, or technology outside of the United States.
  • Encryption: Although encryption is recommended to protect sensitive information in case your device is lost, stolen, inspected, or confiscated, some countries restrict the use/importation of encryption software. The USA may also restrict its export. See UC's "International Travel" web page for information, including lists of countries with travel restrictions, and links for additional help.
  • If you are not able to use encryption software at your destination, contact UCSF IT Service Desk for guidance.

 

Additional information

UCSF Remote Work Resources

BCH Oakland Remote Work Resources

UCSF Travel Support - On the Road

UCSF: Travel Safely - Laptops and other devices

UCSF: Prepare a Laptop for International Travel

UC: Traveling with Electronic Devices website

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Inspection of Electronic Devices" fact sheet.

UC ECAS' April 2018 Compliance Alert newsletter (see "International Compliance" on pg. 3)

UCSF Office of Ethics and Compliance Export Control Guidance

UC Global Operations (UCGO) website.

UCGO Technology/Security Guidance

FBI: Cybersecurity While Traveling Tip Card

FBI: Safety and Security for the Business Professional Traveling Abroad

StopThinkConnect: Safety Tips for Mobile Devices