Travelling with a UiB-computer

The advice provided on this site is meant to help you optimize your cybersecurity while travelling. The advice applies to all UiB employees who are travelling with UiB-owned equipment or information. You are responsible for ensuring a satisfactory level of cybersecurity so that the electronic devices or information does not end up being stolen or misused.

Please be aware that when travelling to high-risk countries, special security measures must be taken. You can read more about that here.

Before departure

The risk of unwanted events happening to your electronic devices is higher when travelling than when you are at home. Please contact the persons in charge of the travel in order to specify what information exists about the travel and what precautions you should take in general.

Foreign authorities can sometimes seize electronic equipment. You should think about how to handle an event where you cannot use the electronic devices as you have planned.

Consider the value of the information you bring with you and encrypt confidential information. Be sure to never bring any sensitive information with you on the trip.

UiB asks you to remember the following:

• Encrypt hard drives and other storage media that you are bringing with you on your travels.
• Make sure you have installed the latest updates for the devices, operating system, anti-virus software and other software installed.
• Ensure that the device locks automatically when inactive (lock screen) and that the password/code verification works properly when you re-open the device.
• Remember to pack your own charging- and power supplies. Do not use public charging stations for mobile devices.
• Use good, strong passwords. Consider changing your passwords before and after traveling to ensure that you have control over the logins you need on your trip.
• Use two-factor authentication wherever it is possible.

During your travels

• Turn off the ability to connect wirelessly and through bluetooth on all the devices you have with you. Consider the need to turn these on in each individual case. Be aware that such connections may provide unwanted access to your devices. Remember to turn the wireless connections off after each use.
• Do not use open and unknown wireless networks. When you are using them, it is easy for unauthorized persons to access your devices and thereby steal information or install malware on them. Check if the people you are visiting can provide you with access to secure networks that you can use.
• Use 3G/4G networks wherever you can, as they are usually safer than the rest (but be aware that these networks can also be fake).
• When connecting to UiBs services, always use an encrypted connection (VPN). Please consider the need for connecting with UiBs services in each individual case. When traveling to high-risk countries (see point 5), one shall not connect to UiBs services at all.
• When receiving gifts that are electronic devices (such as memory sticks), consider whether it is safe to connect them to UiBs equipment or not. Such devices can often install unwanted software.

After your travel

Consider changing your passwords on all services you have been using during your trip. Remember that when changing passwords, it is best to use a different device than the one you brought with you on your travels.

If your electronic devices work differently than expected or you suspect that they have unwanted programs installed on them, contact BRITA user support at the IT department. Ask them for help with finding out if your devices have malware installed on them, or simply request reinstallation.