Secure your technology
ASU’s Get Protected site lists best practices and considerations for using technology during international travel.
- Ensure your equipment including laptops, tablets and phones are encrypted prior to your departure. Learn more about device and data encryption.
- Remove sensitive data you don’t need for the trip.
- For travel to certain countries where equipment may be at risk, we recommend not taking any computerized devices. If you must take a computerized device, take a loaner or alternate device that contains no data and then is wiped clean upon return.
- Using DUO two-factor authentication while traveling internationally. Learn more about DUO.
- Not only can your device be lost or stolen, but airport security checks in other countries can also include scanning of your device’s content.
- If you cannot keep your laptop with you during travel, ensure it is turned off while stowed in your luggage or locked facility.
- Do not pack internet cards, USB drives, etc. in the checked baggage with your encrypted devices.
- When you arrive at your destination, connect only via a secure/encrypted wireless connection.
- Always use a VPN, such as the ASU VPN for faculty and staff, when connecting to any ASU or other sensitive resources.
ASU personnel handle many kinds of sensitive information that can be subject to privacy laws and other regulations. See ASU’s Data Storage page for more information.
- Use with discretion.
- Never check personal information, such as banking information, while on a public network.
- Turn off file sharing, enable your system’s built-in firewalls and keep internet-connected activities to a minimum.
- Review options for using a mobile device abroad on our prep for travel page.
- Keep all software, operating systems, and anti-virus/anti-malware up to date.
- Enable encryption on your device, which will prevent access to your device if it is lost or stolen.
- Ensure continuous access to your data by backing it up regularly.
- In some instances, the export of information or technology is either prohibited by law, or requires a license from the U.S. Government.
If you are planning to transfer, share, or disclose research information or research technology while abroad, consult the Office of Research Integrity for more information on export controls.
- In effect as of May 25, 2018.
- Personal information regarding all persons residing in the European Union must remain protected. This includes anything that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person such as name, email address, photos to social media posts, IP address and medical information.
- Sending or sharing information like this is restricted (e.g., via email or online databases).
- If your laptop is lost or stolen, immediately report this to ASU Information Security Office at [email protected] and [email protected].
- For device help, confirm with your desk side staff or contact ASU Help Center at 1-855-278-5080
You can find more information on ASU’s Telecommuting, Mobile and Travel Safety Guidance page.
PCS 505: Off-Campus Use of Equipment
PCS 802: Security of Equipment
PCS 1101: Stolen University-Owned Equipment
PCS 1103: Lost or Stolen Personally Owned Equipment
ACD 125: Computer, Internet, & Electronic Communications Information Management Policy
ACD 306-01: Retention of Research Data
RSP 214: Export Control
Review ASU travel guidance.
To submit a student or faculty-led international travel request for approval, register your trip with the Student International Travel Registration System.
To create a faculty or staff international travel request, visit My ASU Trip.