Travel Tips

Before you go
Working Remotely
International Travel

Tips for Travel

National and international travel are a vital part of the experience for many members of the Gonzaga community. When preparing for a trip, keep the following tips in mind to secure personal and University data and devices.

General Considerations

Travel Destination

  • Domestic
    • Will your destination have reliable internet connectivity? If not, you may want to ensure the files you need are saved to a local device.
  • International
    • Does your destination have a travel advisory from the US State Department? If so, please take some time to understand the risks and reach out to the ITS Support Center for further assistance.

Devices and Authentication

  • Will you be traveling with the same mobile device you use as your MFA device to log in to your GU Account? If not, be sure to connect the alternate device to your GU account before you leave.
  • In some foreign countries, text for MFA won't work. Be sure to set up your device with the Microsoft Authenticator App.
  • What does your connectivity look like at your destination?
  • How will you keep your device secure while you are traveling?

Information you will need to access or travel with

  • Where is the data stored, will you have access to it?
  • How will you keep it secure
  • Will you need to connect to the Gonzaga resources using the VPN?
  • If you will travel with local access to the data due to limited internet connectivity, be sure your external storage device (usb flash drive, external hard drive, phone) is approved for your destination and that you have a plan to keep that storage secure.

In rare circumstances

  • If you are an executive traveling to a foreign country with a level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory, you may need to take additional precautions, please contact the ITS Support Center for further assistance.

Before You Go

  • Record the asset tag number of your GU devices. (take a sticker)
  • Consider the data that is stored locally on your laptop-- confidential, PII... is it necessary, how secure is it?
  • Ensure your GU device has the recommended anti-virus and software updates (call support center)
  • Create a connection to FortiClient virtual private network (VPN), if you need access to University data while you’re away.

Securing Mobile Devices

  • Keep all software, including antivirus, up to date on all devices.
  • Protect your devices from physical theft. Never leave your laptop or mobile device unattended. Lock up devices left in hotel rooms.
  • On smartphones and tablets, configure automatic tamper and remote wiping, automatic locking, and encryption and use a pass code or PIN to secure the device.
  • For laptops and notebooks, protect with a password, use secure transmission mechanisms, such as a VPN, and encrypt your device whenever possible.
  • Be aware of the increased risk of malware infection on portable storage devices, e.g., thumb or external hard drives. Scan such devices for malware upon insertion.
  • Remove Gonzaga data and information from devices when they are longer needed.
  • Turn off your computing devices when not in use and disable WiFi and Bluetooth when not needed. Avoid using hibernation or sleep mode.
  • Tape over cameras on devices or disable them while you are not actively using them.

Working Remotely

  • Protect passwords used to remotely access Gonzaga information and don’t share them with other people.
  • Don’t use the “remember my password” feature on browsers, whether you’re using a public or your own.
  • Don’t access personal bank accounts, work accounts, or Gonzaga data from public computers, such as those in libraries, coffee shops, or hotels.
  • Be cautious of public wireless networks. Wireless connections that are restricted with a password or are provided by a trusted source are preferable to public networks. Keep in mind that other people may be able to intercept online activity.
  • If possible, avoid downloading software while traveling. In some countries, you may be prompted to download fraudulent “antivirus” or other software. If you are on an extended trip or if updates are needed, go to the software vendor’s website to download updates.
  • Always delete locally saved files on public or shared computers if you must use them.
  • Use eduroam when connecting to WiFi at participating campuses and institutions around the world.

Additional Tips

  • Keep your passport and other personal documents secure from theft.
  • Make a copy or take a photo of your passport and keep it in a safe place with you and another copy with a trusted person who is not traveling with you.
  • Consider using a credit card with a modest credit limit (rather than your debit card or usual credit card) for use in ATMs that might be susceptible to “skimming” devices. Additionally, you may want to contact your bank to inform them about specific travel dates and locations.
  • Learn more about where you are traveling (health, safety and visa requirements) by visiting the U.S. Department of State travel website.

Privacy and International Travel

Privacy laws and regulations vary between countries. Be aware of the applicability of local and international privacy regulations if you are handling personal or confidential information. Depending on where you travel, electronic devices may be subject to review and duplication of data, and encryption of data may be forbidden. Additionally, use of secure websites (those that use “https”) or encrypted networks (VPNs) may not be possible.