Remember to protect your devices, personal information and U-M data when you travel. Check out our video and then the detailed tips below.
Before You Travel
Taking time to plan and do a little preparation before you travel can prevent problems and aggravation.
International travelers: See International Travel with Technology for important guidance for travel outside the United States, including requirements regarding using U-M data and devices.
Only take what you need
- Don't take personal or U-M data or devices you won't need.
- Use encrypted devices when you travel with U-M data. See Encrypt Your Data. Consider an encrypted flash drive (Available for purchase at the ITS Tech Shop) if you need removable storage.
Update and prepare devices
- Update all software and operating systems before traveling.
- Be sure that anti-virus/malware software is installed and up-to-date on personal devices. Scan your devices before leaving for your trip.
- Students, faculty, and staff should install the U-M VPN (Virtual Private Network).
- Backup your device before you travel in case it is lost or stolen.
Set up basic security settings
- See Traveling With Duo for two-factor options, and create passcodes if you might travel to places without cellular service.
- Alumni and retirees can turn on two-factor for Weblogin to protect their personal information in Wolverine Access, as well as U-M Google, U-M Box, Canvas, and more. It is automatically turned on for all current faculty, staff, students, and sponsored affiliates.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication for personal accounts where available. This is strongly recommended for your personal email service, banking services, and other sensitive accounts.
- Use a passcode and auto-lock on all devices. Lock them when not in use.
- Turn on the find-my-device feature.
While You Are Traveling
Do not leave your devices unattended in public.
Connect Securely
- Disable auto-connecting to WiFi so you don’t accidentally connect to insecure networks.
- Visiting another educational institution? Students, faculty, and staff should use eduroam WiFi access, to access U-M resources. Use the WiFi setup tool before travel to configure eduroam.
- Use a VPN or cellular network for a more secure connection. See Use a Secure Internet Connection for more advice on connecting when off campus.
- Turn off wireless, GPS, and Bluetooth when not in use.
- Use U-M Virtual Sites for remote access to computers on the U-M campus with the same software as Campus Computing Sites Windows workstations.
Avoid common security pitfalls
- Do not leave your devices unattended in public.
- Never enter or access sensitive data when using a shared or public computer. For example, do not enter your U-M or personal account credentials.
- Don't use free charging stations. Always pack your own chargers and cords.
- Do not accept removable media or free downloads unless you are absolutely sure the source is trustworthy.
- Do not use personal, non-U-M- accounts to maintain or share sensitive U-M data as noted in Use of Personal Accounts and Data Security and the Personal Account page in the Sensitive Data Guide to IT Services.
- Be cautious about sharing location and other sensitive information on social media.
If Your Device is Lost or Stolen
- Promptly report incidents that involve loss, theft, or breach of personally owned devices that store or handle sensitive U-M data, in accordance with Information Security Incident Reporting (SPG 601.25)
- Contact the IT Service Center for assistance in changing your U-M passwords.
- Contact local authorities to report the loss or theft.
- Change the passwords for access to sensitive personal services, like email and banking.