Are you heading out of town for fall break? As you put aside your work for a short time, remember to keep some cybersecurity tips in mind to keep you and your data safe when you travel.

Change your Password

• While traveling, change the passwords you regularly use (including your NetID password).
• After the trip, change them again. 

Disable Bluetooth

Bluetooth is practically second nature for people who use airpods, speakers, or airdrop, but Bluetooth connectivity can present problems. If your Bluetooth is on, cyber thieves can connect to your phone and potentially hack into your device. Keep Bluetooth disabled as much as possible.

Lock Your Devices

When not using a device, lock it! It only takes a few moments for someone to steal or misuse your information. Set your devices to lock after a short time and use strong Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), passwords, or even use fingerprint or facial recognition for even more protection.

Be careful with Public Wi-Fi

Before connecting to a public wireless hotspot—such as at an airport, hotel, or café—be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure the network is legitimate. If you use free public Wi-Fi, avoid online banking and other activities that require passwords or credit cards. Your personal hotspot is often a safer alternative to free Wi-Fi. And remember, only use sites that begin with “https://” when shopping or banking online.

Disable Auto-Connect

Most phones allow a device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks. While this is a nice feature when used at home, it’s not something you should allow while traveling. Before you leave home, change this setting so your smartphone and laptop must be manually connected every time you want access to the internet.

Don’t Reveal Your Location

Monitor what you post on social media. Seemingly random details are all a criminal needs to know to target you and your physical belongings — both online and in the real world. Limit the information you post regarding your specific whereabouts to reduce these threats. By posting your every location, you make it easy for a criminal to determine that you’re not at home or in your hotel room, leaving your personal belongings vulnerable.

Security Controls and Patching

Even if the device you take on your trip is your own, make sure your device has anti-virus software and is completely up to date. If you will be traveling with a Texas A&M-owned device or other devices that may contain university research or business data, please contact Technology Services before you leave campus because traveling can pose unique threats for the campus community.

Check with your local Technology Services department:

• They may provide you with a loaner device. 
• Can help you backup your data and information.
• Will need to ensure all the required security controls are installed and functioning on your devices.
• Will ensure your system is patched.
• Will verify that multifactor authentication is properly enabled.