Security

As you prepare to travel, consider where you are going, and what you will be doing while you are there. Ask yourself, is there risk involved with bringing certain types of data along. Finally, take an inventory of the information on your computer, and parse out those things you must have while traveling, and those that are safer left behind.

In addition to those computer configurations described in Securing Your Computer, the following measures should be taken when traveling to help keep your data safe and secure.

Connect to Campus with Cornell VPN

Working on your laptop while traveling increases the risk of data exposure or password compromise. This is particularly true when using open wired or wireless networks at hotels, airports, and other public places.

To minimize these risks, you should use the Cornell Virtual Private Network (VPN) when transmitting confidential data. This will ensure that any confidential data you are working with is encrypted as it goes over the network. VPN protects your data from electronic eavesdropping.

To connect to some department and central resources from off campus, you may be required to use VPN. To find out how to install and use VPN, go to www.cit.cornell.edu/services/vpn.

Beware of Insecure Networks & Kiosk Computers

Treat wireless connections in Internet cafes, hotels, airport lounges, conferences, and other public places with extreme caution, because you don't know how safely the network has been configured or who is using it.

The Cornell Virtual Private Network only protects your connections back to campus, so do consider who is providing the network connection, whether it's a person or institution that you trust has addressed security.

Keep Your Laptop and Mobile Devices Physically Secure

• Keep your laptop with you as much as possible.
• When flying, store your laptop in a carry-on bag. Don’t put it in check-in luggage.
• If you leave your laptop at the hotel, lock it in your room or at the front desk.
• Don’t leave your laptop in your car.
• When in a public environment, always keep your laptop with you. If possible, travel with a laptop security cable to lock your laptop to a table or chair when you are using it in a public area.

Bring Along a Laptop Without All Your Data On It

When traveling, if feasible, bring along a laptop that doesn't have all your data on it. Contact your department's technical support staff to find out if they keep spare laptops on hand for this purpose.

Back up Your Data Before You Set Out

If you have to travel with a computer that has your data on it, make sure it is backed up before you leave. If you lose the computer, this will make it easier for you to recover your data. Regular backups not only protect you against losing all your work, but if your computer is lost or stolen, having the backed-up data at hand makes it possible to determine what sensitive data may be a risk.

Consider Encrypting the Entire Hard Disk

If any confidential data is stored on the computer, it must be encrypted. Additionally, if you travel with your computer, you should consider encrypting the entire hard disk. A benefit of encrypting the entire hard disk is that you don't have to worry about what to encrypt and what not to encrypt. If you need to encrypt data, check with your department's technical support staff to find out what encryption solutions are used in your department.