Best Practices - Travel
Travel With Electronic Device(s)
Traveling can expose your devices and data to additional risks, including searches, loss, or theft. Check your destination’s risk level and review guidance on border and airport device searches, along with the tips below to help keep your information secure. Certain University materials may also fall under U.S. export control laws. For details, visit Harvard’s Export Control Policies and Procedures.
Prepare Your Device(s) for Travel
- Bring the least amount of information and data and the fewest devices possible.
- Install updates to your software and operating systems to prevent cyber criminals from exploiting known bugs.
- Ensure that your passwords are strong, complex, and unique using a password manager like 1Password.
- Enable Multi-factor authentication on your personal accounts, if available.
- Back up your data and media to a device you'll leave at home.
- Sanitize your devices to clear them of documents or media that could be perceived as provocative or inflammatory by certain governments.
- Download and set up device managers like Find my iPhone/iPad/Mac and Find My Device (for Android) to locate your device if lost or stolen and erase it remotely if needed.
- Encrypt your devices in case of loss or theft. Certain countries restrict encrypted devices so be cautious of what data you bring with you.
Use Your Device While Traveling
- Turn off your device, or at least the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, when crossing through security checkpoints and when not in use.
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when working online. Using a VPN creates a more secure connection between your device and the resources you access. Some countries restrict the use of VPN, so be cautious of what you are doing online (it may be compromised).
- Limit use of public terminals, and don’t use accounts requiring usernames and passwords - especially for University provided accounts - on public machines.
- Clear your Internet browser after each use to delete your history, cookies, cache, and downloaded or temporary files. Alternatively, use your browser’s private browsing or incognito feature.
- Report incidents, such as suspected or actual device compromise, loss, or data exposure.
Upon Your Return
- Run antivirus software to scan your device for malware, following instructions to correct any issues.
- Reset passwords for accounts you accessed over public Wi-Fi (e.g., unsecured guest network) or VPN.
- Reset your HarvardKey password.
- Report incidents, such as suspected or actual device compromise, loss, or data exposure.
What to Expect Entering the US
Review the Office of the General Counsel's guidance about border security measures at ports of entry.
International students and scholars should also review US Arrival Travel Guidance from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.
Related Resources
Keep your data and devices safe while traveling (HarvardKey required)
Prepare for travel to a cyber high-risk location (HarvardKey required)
Getting started with international travel loaner devices (HarvardKey required)
Download a PDF checklist of best practices for Travel (HarvardKey required)
Entering or re-entering the U.S.: Guidance about Border Security Measures at Ports of Entry