Information security risks during business travel continues to rise with the proliferation of public WiFi internet access and the need to transport computing devices around the world. For a detailed list of information security travel considerations, visit ISC’s page on travel data security at: https://www.isc.upenn.edu/security/aware/practice/travel.


Hotel, coffee shop, and other public WiFi Internet access points may not be secure. DoF IT Services provides mobile “hotspot” devices you can take with you to provide secure Internet connectivity while traveling on business.

  1. Reserve a mobile Internet hotspot and/or loaner laptop from ITS. The ITS team keeps a small fleet of mobile Internet hotspots and loaner laptops for business travel. To reserve one for your upcoming trip, submit a Help Desk ticket or call the help line at 215-898-2443.
  2. Depending on the country you travel to, you may be required to share data that you
    brought with you. If possible, avoid carrying any sensitive, confidential or regulated
    data on your laptop or mobile device when traveling. Not sure? Contact the ITS team
    (see bottom of page) and we’ll help review your data and ensure it is properly secured
    before you travel.
  3. Avoid losing sight of your laptop or mobile device. In some countries, computers may
    be tampered with when they are out of your view, such as during time periods of
    checked baggage. Try to keep your computing devices with your carry-on baggage.
  4. Use caution with USB “thumb” drives that are given to you, like those handed out by
    sales professionals or at business conferences. They may contain malware or malicious
    software. Consider only using USB drives from trusted sources. If you obtain a USB
    drive and aren’t sure of its contents, bring it to the office and our team will assist in
    ensuring it is safe to use.


Do:

  • Report a lost or stolen Penn computing device to the ITS team as soon as possible.
  • Reserve and use a loaner laptop when traveling to high sensitivity countries like Russia, China, Syria or Iran.

Don't:

  • Log in to a web-based system on a public computer, such as a library or hotel business center computer; your username and password may not be secure.
  • Leave computing devices unsecured in a hotel room; always use a safe.
  • Store Penn data on a personal, non-Penn computer.



Learn more about travel/loaner laptops and mobile MiFi Internet hot spots.