International Travel Guide

When traveling abroad, WCER Research IT will provide these services to help protect your computer and data:https://kb.wisc.edu/wcer/internal/144796.

Provide a loaner laptop

• We will prepare a laptop for you and ensure you have the software you need while traveling. Please give 14 days notice for this service.
• We will create a temporary local user on the laptop, so you will not need to use your own credentials while logging in.

Transfer data and clean laptop upon return

• Please do not connect this device to the Internet once back in the US. Research IT can help securely transfer any necessary data from the laptop.

Prepare your work laptop

• If you must take your work laptop, we will update your computer's operating system and applications to improve its ability to defend against malware.

If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss arrangements for your upcoming trip, please contact support@wcer.wisc.edu 

• Contact the Export Control Office in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR)
  Before any travel, contact the Export Control Office to ensure compliance with US export control laws. Some restrictions may apply to activities performed in specified countries due to their designation as an embargoed or restricted country by the US government. The list of embargoed and restricted countries can be found under the "regulations" section on this site: Export Control
  
  
• Generate backup passcodes for future use
  Generate a backup or temporary multi-factor authentication (MFA) code so you do not need your MFA device to connect to the network.
  
  
• Reserve a loaner device from Research IT
  Consider taking a loaner device instead of your personal equipment. This will limit the amount of data at risk should your laptop or phone be lost, stolen or searched. 
  
  Research IT will:
  
  
  • Prepare a laptop and ensure you have the software you need while traveling. Please give 14 days notice for this service.
    
    
  • Create a temporary local user on the laptop so you will not need to use your own credentials while logging in.
    
    
  • Transfer data and clean the laptop upon your return.
    
    

• Prepare your laptop/tablet for travel
  If you cannot take a loaner device, sanitize your device by backing up the information and removing all information not needed during your travels. Be sure to empty your Trash/Recycle Bin and enable screen lock and timeout functions before travel. Also, make note of your laptop’s serial number.
  
  Research IT will:

  • Ensure up-to-date protections for anti-malware, security patching and firewalls.

  • Update installed applications.
    
    

• Minimize the information you take with you
  Take the minimum amount of information needed for your travel. Do not take sensitive information (electronic or printed) with you. Evaluate the sensitivity of the information you are considering taking by knowing that in many countries/cultures, there is no expectation of privacy. Backup all information you do take and leave the backup at work. Remove all external storage media (e.g., CDs, USBs, etc.) from the computer before you travel.

• Review university and personal passwords
  Do not use the same login credentials for university and personal business. Where possible, ensure passwords for sensitive enterprise systems (e.g., SIS, HR, etc) are not the same as self-service passwords (e.g., email, calendar, My UW, etc.). Make any necessary password changes warranted by this review, particularly for systems you will be accessing while abroad.

• Familiarize yourself with local laws and security
  Is the country you are traveling to on the sanctioned or embargoed country list?

  Visit the U.S. State Department’s web site to obtain information about the safety and security of the country you are visiting and to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). You can also go to the International Safety and Security Director’s (ISSD) site for valuable resources, links, and information to help you plan safe and secure travel abroad.

• Contact your mobile phone service provider
  Contact your mobile phone service provider and ask what they recommend for international cellular service while traveling. 

• Have no expectation of privacy
  Eavesdropping is routine in some countries. Limit electronic and face-to-face discussion of sensitive information. If possible, wait to discuss sensitive matters upon return or use a known secure mechanism.

• Treat electronic devices as compromised
  Do not use computers or faxes at foreign hotels or business centers for sensitive matters. Do not connect or allow foreign storage devices e.g., USB, CDs, etc. to be connected to your computer or phone. Do not download new apps or allow your operating system or existing apps and programs to update. Do not click on links in messages or use links to move from internet site to site.

• Keep electronic devices in your physical possession
  Do not leave these devices unattended. Do not assume that devices left in places like a hotel room, hotel safe, or checked luggage are secure.  

• Disable devices network capabilities when not in use
  Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability on your device when not in use. Consider turning off your cell phone when it is not in use and particularly if you have a data plan enabled.

• Avoid accessing systems with sensitive or restricted information from abroad
  This is particularly advisable in countries where there is no expectation of privacy. See the U.S. State Department’s website for country-specific issues. In general, when accessing university systems, minimize the length of time and amount of information accessed.

• Use VPN whenever possible
  Anytime your laptop, tablet, or mobile device is used to connect to network resources, be sure the VPN (GlobalProtect) is connected unless you are in a country that doesn’t allow encryption.

• Report loss or theft of information or electronic devices
  If you experience or suspect the theft of information or any of your electronic devices, report it to support@wcer.wisc.edu.
  

• Clean and/or rebuild all electronic devices
  When you return, do not connect to any campus networks. Bring the loaner laptop to Research IT for analysis and cleaning. If you took your personal/work computer, we highly recommend that the laptop is analyzed for malware and unauthorized access and, if necessary, re-built before the next use. Research IT can assist in this effort.
  
  
• Change passwords
  Consider changing passwords for all systems you accessed while traveling.