Business and leisure travelers face unique challenges when protecting sensitive data in today’s interconnected world. With the increasing reliance on mobile devices and the constant threat of cyberattacks in our digital age, professionals must adopt effective security measures while traveling.

In this article, we share nine essential tips to safeguard your sensitive data and maintain the security of your information, ensuring a worry-free business trip.

Protecting Information While Traveling on Business

1. Know the Risks and Take Precautions

Before embarking on any business trip, it is essential to be aware of the risks associated with traveling and the potential vulnerabilities of your devices. Understanding the possible threats, such as physical or data theft, malware or phishing attacks, will help you take appropriate precautions and be aware of common data security issues.

2. Secure Mobile Devices

Personal business devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, are vital tools for travelers. However, they are also prime targets for data breaches. Take the following steps to enhance the security of your devices and contact your IT department immediately should you have a lost or stolen device:

  • Lock and Password Protect Devices: While traveling on a business trip, your laptop or cell phone might be stolen, and they carry sensitive data that’s at risk if your devices aren’t locked or password-protected. A strong password for your devices is a first line of defense, along with biometric authentication options like fingerprint id or facial recognition. Additionally, always use two-factor authentication for business and personal accounts for more data security.
  • Update Operating Systems and Software: Regularly update the operating systems, applications and security software on all your devices, including your computer and work devices. These operating system updates often include patches and bug fixes that address vulnerabilities, ensuring the best possible data protection.
  • Use Encryption: Encrypt data on your work device, mobile phone and other tech to prevent unauthorized access in case of theft or loss. Additionally, use full-disk encryption or encryption tools for individual files and folders.
  • Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use: When traveling, keep your Bluetooth disabled when it’s not actively needed. Bluetooth connections can be exploited by hackers, allowing data interception.

3. Be Cautious With Public Wi-Fi Networks

Free Wi-Fi networks in hotel rooms, airports, internet cafes and public spaces are commonly used by business and leisure travelers, but they pose significant risks to data security. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over these public Wi-Fi networks, potentially exposing critical information to identity theft and fraud. Follow these precautions when using unencrypted Wi-Fi networks:

  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): Employ a reputable VPN service to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from eavesdroppers. VPNs create a secure connection between your mobile device and the internet, safeguarding your online activities.
  • Avoid Accessing Sensitive Information: Avoid logging onto or transmitting sensitive business data when connected to public Wi-Fi. Instead, save such tasks for when you are on a secure network, such as a VPN-protected encrypted connection. You can also disable the option on your devices that automatically connect to free Wi-Fi for better data protection.

4. Securely Store and Backup Data

Data loss can occur anytime, whether lost or stolen, due to theft, accidents or device malfunctions. Safeguard your valuable business data by following these practices:

  • Use Cloud Storage and Backup Services: Store critical data using an encrypted cloud service that offers robust security measures. Even if your devices are lost or damaged, you can still easily access your files from a secure location.
  • Regularly Backup Data: Create regular backups of your business data to a secure location, so you can quickly recover your important files and minimize work disruptions.

5. Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts

Phishing attacks are a common method cybercriminals use to gain unauthorized entry to critical data. Protect yourself by:

  • Avoiding Suspicious Emails and Links: Be careful when opening emails from unknown sources or clicking on suspicious links. Verify the legitimacy of emails by double-checking the sender’s address and scrutinizing any unusual requests or attachments. Avoid providing private information or login credentials through email, as legitimate organizations will never ask for such details.
  • Stay Educated: Stay updated on the latest phishing techniques and educate yourself and your team about common phishing attempts. Conduct regular training with industry experts to raise awareness and reinforce the importance of vigilance in online communications.

6. Implement Data Loss Prevention Measures For Business Travelers

Data loss prevention tools and strategies can help safeguard sensitive business information while traveling. Consider the following measures:

  • Define Clear Data Handling Policies: Establish clear guidelines on how confidential data should be handled, password protected and shared while traveling. Ensure that employees are aware of these policies and adhere to them.
  • Monitor and Control Data Access: Implement controls and user permissions to restrict unauthorized entry to key business data. Regularly review security settings and update permissions to ensure only authorized personnel can view critical business information.

7. Physical Security for Devices

Physical theft of devices has serious repercussions for business travelers. Protect your tech and the information they contain with these precautions:

  • Use Physical Locks and Safes: When leaving your hotel room, use physical locks, a safe or security box to secure your devices and important documents. This adds an extra layer of security threat protection in case of unauthorized access or theft.
  • Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Stay vigilant in public places and protect your devices by shielding your online activities. Be cautious of shoulder surfing, where someone tries to steal information by observing your screen or keyboard.

8. Exercise Caution When Using Public Computers

While traveling, you may encounter situations where you need to use a public device, such as those in a hotel lobby or coffee shop. However, it’s important to exercise caution when accessing your confidential data on these machines. Follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid Inputting Private Information: Public computers can be compromised with keyloggers or malicious software that captures keystrokes. Therefore, it’s best to avoid inputting any sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, on a public device.
  • Clear Browsing Data: After using a public device, clear your browsing history, cookies and cache to ensure that your login credentials, session data and other private details, like credit card information, are not accessible to the next user.
  • Use Private Browsing Mode: If you must use a public device to access private information, utilize the web browser’s private browsing mode. Private browsing helps prevent the storage of website history, cookies and other temporary files on the public computer.
  • Beware of Malicious Software: Exercise caution when downloading files or using unfamiliar software on public computers. These machines may be infected with malware, which can compromise the security of your data.

9. Minimize Sharing

Sharing your location and personal information on social networking sites can present problems for business travelers. Take the following precautions to minimize the risks:

  • Limit Location Sharing: Avoid excessive sharing when you are away from your home or office for an extended period, and minimize location sharing when you do post online to protect your privacy and avoid data security issues.
  • Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust the privacy settings on your social networking accounts. For example, restrict the ability to view your posts and photos to trusted connections and be cautious about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.

Maintain Cybersecurity and Protect Business Data With Blue-Pencil

Blue-Pencil’s full suite of information management services meet a wide range of needs for organizations and employees in all industries and working locations. We offer secure shredding, records management and document scanning services to protect company data, whether your staff are in the workplace, at home or traveling on business.

To learn about Blue-Pencil’s information management services, contact our team to discuss your needs and request a free quote.