Security While Travelling

Middlebury’s role as a global institution means that information security while traveling is of particular concern. Take the following steps to keep your data and devices safe.

Before Travel

• Install the latest security updates on all of your devices.
• Be sure multi-factor authentication is set up for all of your accounts.
• Set up a PIN or passcode on your devices to enable encryption, so that even if is stolen or misplaced, malicious persons cannot access your data. On iOS devices, setting a PIN or Passcode will automatically encrypt your data. On Android devices, encryption must be manually enabled. Google instructions for your device!
• Remove sensitive data from your device. Shifting data to the cloud (MiddFiles/MIISFiles, your Middlebury OneDrive, or Middlebury Google Drive) keeps it more secure if your device is stolen or misplaced.

During Travel

• Be vigilant. If something technology-related seems phishy, it probably is. Be mindful of this and protect your account credentials and your data.
• Never leave your device unattended. Device theft is extremely common these days. Devices are small and easy for petty thieves to steal from unwary travelers. Keep it close.
• Only connect to secure wi-fi. Wi-fi networks that do not require a password to join, including many hotel and other public wi-fi services, are NOT secure. Always confirm that there is a lock icon next to the wi-fi network name and that the network requires a password. 
• Avoid entering your passwords on any public computer. Keylogging malware on hotel and public computers is a common method of online credential theft.
• Pay close attention to web browser security warnings. Warnings that your connection is not secure could indicate that someone is attempting to steal your password and data.
• Use a commercial VPN service for sensitive tasks. A commercial VPN can help protect you from man-in-the-middle and other network eavesdropping attacks designed to steal your data. Use Middlebury’s VPN if you need remote access to the Middlebury network.
• Report lost or stolen devices immediately. Call or email us at (802) 443-2200 or helpdesk@middlebury.edu

After Travel

Remain vigilant. Look out for signs of malware infection and be cautious of any multi-factor authentication requests that you did not initiate. If you notice anything strange, double-check your devices for malware and change your passwords.

High Risk Travel

If you are travelling to high-risk locations, your phones, laptops, and tablets may be searched without your consent or knowledge. Any and all data stored on devices you travel with may be scanned and copied. Any devices left unattended may be tampered with. If you’re not sure whether or not your destination is considered high risk, contact us for guidance.

• Do not bring your daily use phone, laptop, or tablet to a high risk location.
• Make use of burner devices: temporary use-only phones, laptops, and/or tablets .
• Create a burner email address for use while you are travelling. Your primary accounts will be vastly more secure if you simply avoid accessing them in high risk areas.
• When you return, do a complete reset to factory defaults on any devices you travelled with. Afterwards, you can restore your data and apps from cloud services.

Contact our help desk for more information or for any questions or concerns.