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Wi-Fi Woes and Travel Foes: Safeguard Your Devices and Data on the Road

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The IT Security Awareness Quiz link is at the end of the article. Everyone who completes the quiz is entered to win one of four $50 Amazon gift cards. 

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s crucial to plan for the possibility that your devices might be lost, stolen, compromised, or even confiscated at international borders. Prepare wisely and always keep in mind that anything you do over unsecured Wi-Fi networks—whether it’s entering passwords or sending messages—can be seen by others. The cornerstone of your travel strategy should be vigilance. Stay alert, particularly in bustling areas like airports, train stations, stadiums, hotels, and tourist hotspots. Avoid distractions that could make you an easy mark, such as wearing headphones, which dampen your situational awareness. Consider these public spaces as potentially hostile zones, both physically and electronically. When safeguarding your data, remember that UC Institutional information and other intellectual property are highly valuable to those looking to gain a competitive edge. Know the nature of the information you carry and protect it accordingly. With all of this in mind: 

  • In advance of travel, properly plan for the unexpected and do your homework on destinations with tips and information from trusted sources such as the US State Department. 
  • When planning your travel for UCSF business, register your trip for free traveler insurance coverage: 
  1. UC Travel Insurance 
  • Make sure that your devices are properly prepared and maintained during and after your trip: 
  1. UCSF: Travel Safely - Laptops and Other Devices
  2. UCSF: Prepare a Laptop for International Travel 
  • Always physically protect your devices. Never leave a laptop or mobile device unattended in your car or hotel room. 
  • Make sure you can connect to the Internet securely while you’re away: 
  1. Instructions to remotely connect for UCSF workers (i.e., everyone except BCH Oakland)
  2. Instructions to remotely connect for BCH Oakland workers 
  • Do not proceed to a website if you get a bad certificate warning or if it does not have the lock icon in the address bar.  
  • Do not plug your device directly into a charging station.  This will avoid “juice jacking” risks of data theft via USB connection during device charging at public charging stations. Charge your external battery pack instead, rather than your devices directly. 
  • Do not send any UCSF data to your personal email account. UCSF IT policy prohibits the use of personal email accounts for UCSF business. 
  • Bring only what you’re willing to lose – both your stored information and the devices themselves, even if they are encrypted. Make sure your devices or data are fully backed up before you leave. 
  • Immediately report any lost or stolen device used for UCSF business to the IT Service Desk by calling 415-514-4100. 
  • If you are traveling for pleasure, know that travel scams are on the rise, according to the FBI. They have created a list of tips you should follow before you book that discounted hotel room, car rental, or flight reservation. 

Special notes for international travelers: 

  • There are special rules for bringing electronic equipment, research, intellectual property, and encryption technology abroad. Please consult with the UCSF Export Control Office (ExportControl@ucsf.edu) well before your trip if you plan 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 exports. See UC's "International Travel" web page for information, including lists of countries with travel restrictions and links for additional help. 
  • VPN: Several countries, notably China, greatly restrict the use of VPNs. In these countries, they are illegal except for VPNs sanctioned by that country. The ones sanctioned by the countries will likely have access to all of your data. 
  • If you cannot use encryption software at your destination, contact the UCSF IT Service Desk for guidance. 

Take the quiz on Safe and Secure Travel and Remote Work. The prize for passing the quiz is an entry in a drawing for one of six $50 Amazon gift cards. 

Other Resources

UC: Traveling with Electronic Devices website 

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

UCSF Office of Ethics and Compliance Export Control Guidance 

FTC: Avoid Scams When You Travel 

CNBC: The most common travel scams in 9 global cities

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