Essential Device Security Tips
for Business Travelers
The Guidelines We Give Clients
Business travelers are prime targets for cybercriminals, particularly because they carry valuable intellectual property and sensitive information from US companies. When you're rushing between meetings, connecting to hotel Wi-Fi, or working from airport lounges, this valuable corporate data becomes vulnerable to state-sponsored and criminal hackers.
The stakes are high: a single compromised device on a business trip can lead to significant corporate damage.
Below are the same cybersecurity guidelines we provide our managed service clients for protecting their sensitive data while traveling. We've refined these recommendations through years of helping businesses safeguard their information across global operations. With these strategic precautions, you can significantly reduce risks while maintaining productivity on the road.
Your Pre-Travel Security Checklist
The best defense starts before you even pack your bags:
- Inform Your Service Desk: Let your IT team know about your travel plans in advance
- Travel light digitally: Only bring devices and documents necessary for your trip
- Update everything: Ensure all devices have the latest security patches
- Encrypt your devices: Verify all devices are properly encrypted
- Backup your data: Create fresh backups of everything important before traveling (to protect against the heightened risk of device theft, which is significantly more common during travel).
- Lock it down: Strengthen passwords on all devices
- Disable sharing: Turn off automatic file and photo sharing services
Pro tip: Heading to a high-risk destination? (Level 2 or higher on the U.S. State Department travel advisory list) Consider using a "clean" device that doesn't contain sensitive personal or work information. A clean device is one that has been reset to factory settings or newly configured with only essential applications and no personal data, corporate documents, or saved passwords. Ask your IT team about a corporate loaner if available.
While on Your Trip: The Invisible Threats You Need to Know About
Many travelers don't realize that even seemingly innocent actions can expose them to risk:
Keep Your Devices in Sight
Always maintain physical possession of your devices. Never leave them unattended in hotel rooms, conference facilities, or vehicles.
Public Charging Stations
That convenient USB charging station at the airport could be doing more than just providing power. "Juice jacking" attacks can extract data or install malware while you charge. Always use your own charger and connect directly to electrical outlets.
The Public Wi-Fi Trap
Free Wi-Fi is never truly free—you're often paying with your data. Public networks are prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. Assume all networks are compromised and:
- Avoid accessing financial or sensitive accounts
- Verify secure connections (look for the lock icon)
- Log out completely when finished
- Don't use the same password on different websites
- Pay attention to browser security warnings
- Disable Wi-Fi when not in use
Keep Unnecessary Services Off
Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS when you're not actively using them to minimize potential entry points for attackers.
Avoid Installing Updates While Traveling
Hold off on installing software updates until you return and can verify they're legitimate. Consult with your IT department before installing any updates while on the road.
The Digital Pickpocket
Modern thieves don't need to physically touch your wallet. RFID skimming can steal credit card information right through your pocket or purse. Consider RFID-blocking protection for your cards and passport.
Returning Home: The Final Security Step
If you've traveled to a high-risk location (Level 2+ advisory), don't skip this crucial final step: wipe your devices clean. This means performing a factory reset or having IT professionally sanitize your device to remove any potential malware or tracking software that might have been installed. You should back up any important files and documents before traveling so you can restore them afterward.
For corporate devices, request they be wiped by your IT department upon your return.
Take the Next Step
Our comprehensive cybersecurity managed services can help protect your business from evolving threats. Whether your team is in the office or traveling around the globe. From 24/7 monitoring to incident response and employee training, our experts ensure your organization's digital assets remain secure at all times.
Don't wait for a security breach to take action. Contact us today to learn how our cybersecurity solutions can safeguard your business.
