Before Traveling Abroad

Extra consideration must be taken with your technology when traveling outside the United States. Concerns range from basic theft of belongings to targeting of data used by academics. It is important to prepare properly and use appropriate safeguards while traveling. 

Bring Only What You Need

• Leave personal data, restricted university data, devices, and other items like ID cards and credit cards at home.
• Do not travel with hardware or software that is subject to export controls. Contact the Department of Research and Compliance at 479-575-4572 or rsicadmn@uark.edu for more information, especially if traveling to an embargoed country.
• Back up your personal device data before traveling.
• Contact your mobile provider to find out your plan’s roaming policy.

Verify Encryption on Your Devices

If your university-owned devices are not encrypted, contact the IT Help Desk.

• Review State Department travel guides for best practices and destination information.
• Purchase a USB data blocker to avoid data theft. Use a USB data blocker whenever you plug into an outlet to charge your phone.
• Make sure your laptop is up-to-date with all operating system and antivirus software updates.
• Securely delete personal, sensitive and restricted data.
• If possible, use a temporary laptop that has had its storage securely deleted and the operating system and applications freshly installed or on a separate hard drive.
• When not using your phone, carry it in a Faraday bag to protect against data theft.
• Use an inexpensive prepaid phone instead of traveling with your own personal devices.