As temperatures rise, some employees may find themselves seeking relief by stepping away from their workstation for a spell. It’s likely that you’ll feel more motivated to attend the convention in Barcelona or take a family trip, but keep your work phone nearby for any unexpected business calls.
While working remotely from an unconventional location, whether via air travel or a staycation near home, venturing away from the traditional office poses distinct security risks. Vulnerabilities in public connectivity are exemplified by insecure Wi-Fi networks, compromised public charging stations, and Bluetooth attacks.
When embarking on a summer vacation with laptop in tow, it’s essential to safeguard your digital assets and business data from potential risks. To help ensure a worry-free trip, we’ve consulted with experts to identify the top tips for protecting your devices and sensitive information.
Seek guidance from your organization’s on-site safety team before embarking on travel to ensure a safe and secure journey.
Before embarking on a trip with work-related equipment, it is essential to consult with your organization’s dedicated safety team to ensure compliance with established guidelines and protocols.
“When working abroad, consider that it’s not always feasible due to visa limitations, safety concerns, or geo-blocking and data sovereignty constraints that might not be immediately apparent.”
Stay informed about local conditions and focus on recognizing common scams and potential dangers in the region you’re traveling to. Report any suspicious activities or potential safety incidents to your organization’s IT or safety team immediately.
Don’t rely on public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive information transmission.
According to Martin Lee, EMEA lead at cybersecurity agency Cisco Talos, who shared his insights with TechRepublic via email: “The perpetual allure of saving on data roaming fees and allowances by joining public networks or Wi-Fi.” Despite potential costs, it might be prudent to consider investing in extra security measures to safeguard your data.
Publicly accessible networks may inadvertently facilitate collaboration with unscrupulous individuals or pose as seemingly harmless communities designed to ensnare unsuspecting users. A sophisticated felony snooping a community can potentially steal sensitive cookies or session tokens to gain unauthorized access to your confidential services.
Alternatively, an attacker might attempt a man-in-the-middle attack by masquerading as a critical system component, intercepting and manipulating sensitive data in the process.
3. Use a VPN
VPNs can be used on phones tied to local mobile networks abroad, as well as laptops. According to Trevor Horwitz, founder and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at TrustNet, he shared via email with TechRepublic: “Encryption of data before it departs the device enables a VPN to protect intercepted information, rendering it unintelligible.”
One significant advantage of using a VPN is its ability to mask your location by assigning you a fresh IP address. This enables users to bypass potential Wi-Fi supplier restrictions and amplifies online anonymity.
While traveling, preserve your units out of sight?
“When traveling, consider keeping your valuables out of sight,” said Lee. As you operate in the digital realm, remain vigilant about your surroundings; cunning individuals often exploit distractions to pilfer valuable assets from crowded virtual spaces, where attention is divided.
Rawlins cautions against complacency, emphasizing the importance of remaining highly attentive while relying on a phone’s mapping app for directions. Criminals on electric bicycles have been known to snatch phones from unsuspecting individuals on the street, while others may target victims as doors close on public transportation.
Utilize dedicated workflow tools or virtual desktops for optimal productivity and reduced visual fatigue.
Frequent travelers should consider designating a dedicated work device that stores only the necessary data and tools for their trip, according to Horwitz’s recommendation to TechRepublic. “This innovative approach prioritizes safety by decoupling journey functions from primary systems, enabling the implementation of more rigorous safeguards and significantly reducing risks.”
Earlier than embarking on your journey, take a moment to thoroughly clean and reset your dedicated units, returning them to a pristine condition. Evaluating and analysing any suspicious activity that may have occurred throughout your travels.
All data stored on a PC must be securely encrypted and regularly backed up to prevent loss in the event of a technical issue or cyberattack. According to Horwitz, storing backups in the cloud is preferable to keeping them on an external drive, as this allows for remote access to a copy when needed and automatic updates.
Consider employing a digital desktop setup that seamlessly integrates with your work tools via remote access from anywhere. According to Horwitz, all the knowledge and information that users rely upon is stored within a digital framework, rather than being retained on the device itself. When a tool is stolen, all relevant data should be securely erased.
6. Safe work units
Ensuring the security of devices taken away from the office starts with built-in safety features and reliable antivirus software.
Rawlins advises that users should safeguard their devices by setting strong, unique passwords and utilizing available biometric security features whenever possible. Upgrade the software program to its most recent version available.
Implement two-factor authentication for all accounts, prioritizing email services that send password reset notifications, and opt for an authenticator app over text-based or email-based methods sent to your phone.
According to Andrew Lungsden, safety marketing consultant at Forge Safe, limiting login attempts before an account locks out can prevent individuals from successfully guessing incorrect passwords.
He also benefits from using private firewalls, which proactively monitor and filter both inbound and outbound network traffic. “This safeguards against exposing your laptop’s connections to an untrusted WiFi network, thereby reducing its vulnerability as a potential target,” Lungsden stated.
Use a privacy screen when working on your laptop in public to protect sensitive information from being viewed by others.
While discussing secure work environments, Lungsden noted that working with sensitive consumer data can pose a risk if colleagues are observing your screen.
You can mitigate this risk by installing privacy screens on your laptop or mobile device.
This innovative display screen protector provides an additional layer of security by obscuring your screen from unauthorized views, unless viewed directly. Its unique design also offers added peace of mind when protecting sensitive organizational information.
8. Disable USB ports
It seems that the USB ports on your device might be deactivated. In mere seconds, plugging in a USB device can lead to a laptop’s compromise, with malware effortlessly launching a program and seizing control. There’s also a strong probability that you won’t need USB ports when traveling.
“For travelers who proactively disable them before embarking on a journey, this measure can help eliminate a potential hazard.”
Can machines be equipped with remote locking and wipe-out features?
While traveling with your laptop, there’s a significant risk of it being stolen by a thief, especially if it remains unlocked at any point during transit. As a result, it is essential to consider configuring the lockout settings accordingly.
When logging in, Lungsden notes that users may encounter a temporary lockout period; it’s also crucial to ensure that the account locks automatically when the laptop is shut down. This measure reduces the likelihood that your account will be accessed.
Adding distant locking and wiping capabilities to devices could prove especially useful in cases of theft, ensuring the confidentiality and security of personal data is maintained. “While many machine administration programs offer comparable features,” said Lungsden.
10. Watch out with rented lodging
“When booking accommodations, thoroughly verify that the reservation website is genuine and not a cloned imposter, which might steal your money without providing a legitimate booking confirmation.” Never engage in unofficial booking arrangements, as failing to do so will leave you with no recourse to secure a refund in the event the reservation turns out to be fraudulent.
When occupying rented accommodations, it is crucial to avoid leaving valuable items or possessions unsecured, even when the door to your room is locked. “According to Lee, there’s a possibility that room keys may have been compromised through cloning or theft.”
Upon completion, it is crucial to shut down any remaining units, such as smart TVs, and ensure that no sensitive information or credentials are stored. “In most cases, subsequent visitors would have unrestricted access to your accounts,” Lee noted.
