General Guidance for International Travel

• Never give out your password to anyone at any point in time during your travel.
• Watch out for spam or unsolicited SMS text messages or emails asking you to do something urgent or share personal or financial information. The Government of Canada is warning of increasing overseas fraud impacting Canadians.
• Utilize a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection whenever possible, especially if needing to access personal or financial data at transit terminals or at your destination’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Always have either your work and/or personal device(s) on you or in your carry-on. If you need to store the device, ensure the battery and any storage devices (e.g. SD card, memory expansion cards) are removed prior to your departure.
• Acquire an International SIM from a reputable and trusted cell provider that’s supported in the country you are travelling to.
• Avoid using open Wi-Fi connection hotspots, using them as a last resort only.
• Turn off unused wireless connectivity such as Bluetooth. 
• Avoid storing any sensitive or personally identifiable information on your device while travelling since devices are easily lost or stolen.
• Review McMaster’s Travel Safety and Planning for additional tips and precautions to take while travelling.

Before Travel

• Review the Government of Canada Travel Advisories for any cyber security and cybercrime advisories before travelling.  
• Ensure the clocks on your devices are synced correctly to your destination’s time zone. This will make it easier to access your university email and any other applications that ask for your McMaster Microsoft account. For example, if you are travelling to Vancouver, ensure that the clock is synced to Pacific Standard Time and not Eastern Standard Time, prior to logging into Avenue2Learn.
• Ensure all software, applications and Windows or Apple products are all up to date.
• Store important files and documents on a Cloud platform, such as Microsoft OneDrive, since portable drives may get damaged, lost or stolen.
• Remove any sensitive files or documents on your phone or computer containing any logins to the websites you visit. Use a password manager, such as LastPass, Keeper, KeepassXC, etc.
• Ensure all security features that your device supports are enabled on your device (i.e. passcodes, PINs, biometrics, timeouts, etc.).
• Leave all nonessential devices at home if you’re not planning to use them.
• If possible, use a computer or device that doesn’t contain a lot of personal information, files, applications and contacts to reduce the risk in case the device is compromised, lost or stolen.
• Acquire an international SIM card from a reputable provider at their standalone stores if you plan to go overseas.
• If multi-factor authentication is enabled on your account, ensure the device you use for authentication is properly working.
• Ensure your devices and data are encrypted in case your device is lost or stolen.
• For additional cyber security tips while travelling, please see the Government of Canada Cyber security while travelling. 

During Travel

• Keep your devices and chargers in a safe place.
• Check the Wi-Fi you are connecting to and ensure it’s a recognized network.
• Do not store personal devices in checked baggage. Always have your devices in your carry-on or with you.
• Turn off unnecessary wireless communication services, such as location tracker and Bluetooth where applicable and when not actively using (e.g. listening to music or making calls).
• Make note of the accounts and applications you’ve used during your trip.
• For additional cyber security tips while travelling, please see the Government of Canada Remaining cyber safe while travelling: security recommendations. 

After Travel

• Reset any account passwords and reinstall apps used on your trip.
• Clear browser history and session information.
• Make sure to re-check default sign-in methods if you had them changed.
• Check sign-in activity on your account a few days after travel to ensure no suspicious activity.
• Reset passcodes and switch devices if possible.
• Switch out the international travel SIM with the SIM provided by your Canadian service provide

To report an information security incident, please visit: https://informationsecurity.mcmaster.ca/information-security-incidents/.