Summer brings exciting opportunities—research conferences in Barcelona, study abroad programs in Tokyo, and well-deserved beach vacations. But before you jet off, it’s important to take a few minutes to secure your tech to ensure your university and personal devices and data are safe while you travel.
This blog is the first in a two-part series about travel safety tips for the summer. Look for the second part in the July Tech Update!
Before takeoff: lock down your devices
Think of pre-travel tech prep like packing your suitcase—essential items only. Update all software and operating systems while connected to a secure and trusted campus or home network. Those security patches that keep popping up? Install them now, not in an airport lounge on a public server.
It’s also a good idea to remove sensitive research data and confidential documents from your devices to ensure they remain private and secure. And remember to save critical files in the cloud, such as Microsoft 365’s OneDrive, so they’re accessible from anywhere in a highly-secure application. If you’re traveling to a country with heightened cybersecurity risks, be sure to review these guidelines, too.
Your digital bodyguard: GlobalProtect VPN
Public Wi-Fi is like leaving your front door wide open—anyone can walk in. When you’re not on campus and need access to Northeastern’s systems and services that require a secure connection, access the GlobalProtect VPN from the Tech Service Portal on your computer or mobile device. GlobalProtect acts as your personal security detail, encrypting every bit of data between your device and Northeastern’s servers. When traveling, connect to GlobalProtect before checking email at the airport, accessing Canvas from your hotel, or downloading research papers.
Speaking of getting work done during long layovers, public USB charging ports at airports, hotels, and cafés expose you to “juice jacking”— attacks that steal your data or install malware. Instead, pack a portable power bank or USB data blocker to charge safely.
Navigate public Wi-Fi like a pro
That “Free_Airport_WiFi” network? It’s probably legitimate. That “Free_Aiport_WiFi” network? Definitely not. Pay attention to network names that look suspicious and if necessary, verify the correct one to use with airport staff.
Tap into eduroam at partner universities
Visiting MIT for a conference? Presenting at Oxford? Skip the guest Wi-Fi hassle and connect to eduroam: the secure roaming network available at thousands of universities worldwide. Just select eduroam from available networks and log in with your full Northeastern email (j.doe@northeastern.edu) and password.
Physical security matters too
Laptop theft peaks during summer travel season. Thieves know travelers carry expensive gear and important data. Never leave devices unattended, even in areas that seem safe or with others you trust. In the event of an emergency and you lose a Northeastern device, follow these steps to report it as lost or stolen.
Master the art of password protection
Laptop theft peaks during summer travel season. Thieves know travelers carry expensive gear and important data. Never leave devices unattended, even in areas that seem safe or with others you trust. In the event of an emergency and you lose a Northeastern device, follow these steps to report it as lost or stolen.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is your best friend abroad. Before leaving, verify MFA works on the apps and platforms you regularly access, such as Canvas, Employee and Student Hub, and Microsoft 365. Download backup codes and screenshot them (store these separately from your phone) so you don’t have to continually wait for authentication texts. International roaming is expensive, and you don’t want to pay $5 for each one!
Never enter passwords on public computers. Hotel business centers and internet cafés are notorious for keyloggers that capture every keystroke. If it’s absolutely necessary, change passwords immediately upon returning to your own device via accounts.northeastern.edu.
Ask for help
The IT Service Desk is available through a toll-free international phone number. You can also contact the IT Service Desk here.
It’s critical to protect your data and devices while traveling. Use these strategies to keep your tech safe during your next trip and stay tuned for more travel safety tips in next month’s newsletter!