51

Cybersecurity

Electronic Devices and Travel

51 employees traveling internationally for professional and/or research purposes are encouraged to review the information below when traveling internationally with 51 devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.

If you prefer to travel with a loaner laptop and/or mobile phone, visit the l to learn more about the devices available to UFV employees. 

Learn more:

 

Before You Travel  

1. Assess What Devices to Bring  

  • Consider whether you need to bring all your devices  
  • Avoid traveling with devices containing sensitive research, proprietary information, or student data.
  • Consider requesting a loaner laptop or phone from IT Services

2. Secure Your Devices  

  • Encrypt your devices:   
    • iPhones and iPads: Encryption is automatically activated when you set a passcode 
    • Android phones and tablets: Check Settings > Security > Encryption  
    • Windows: Enable BitLocker (BitLocker is already enabled on 51-managed computers)    
    • Mac: Enable FileVault (FileVault is enabled on all individually assigned Macs and loaner MacBook's) 
    • Visit for more information on encryption 
  • Use strong passwords   
    • Create complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols  
    • Avoid using easily guessable information (birthdays, names, common words)  
    • Do not use the same password for multiple devices or accounts 
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) using the
    • Travelers can also request a (for up to 30 days) if not travelling with a device

3. Manage Your Data

  • Review and remove unnecessary sensitive data  
  • Back up and move essential files to university approved cloud storage (e.g. OneDrive)
  • Empty "recently deleted" folders  
  • Consider temporarily removing Social Media apps or other apps containing sensitive information  
  • Use cloud storage strategically   
  • policies currently limit examination to data stored directly on the device, not in cloud services. Border agents are required to put devices in airplane mode before searching them.   
  • Log out of cloud services before travel and remove saved passwords from your browser  

At the Border  

1. Prepare Your Devices  

  • Enter airplane mode before approaching Customs and Border Protection  
  • Disable biometric authentication (fingerprints, facial features or voice patterns)   
  • Power down your device completely before arriving at customs

2. If Asked to Unlock Your Device 

  • Know your options. You may choose to comply or decline  
    • If you comply, unlock the device yourself - never share your password  
    • If you decline, your device may be detained, and entry may be delayed or denied (especially for non-citizens)  

3. If Your Device Is Confiscated  

  • Report the incident to your department head and  immediately   

During Your Trip

  • Avoid public Wi-Fi; use a VPN if necessary
  • Disable auto-connect for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Use your own charging equipment - avoid public charging stations
  • Do not use public/shared computers for accessing sensitive information 

After Your Return   

  • Change all passwords used during your trip 
  • Run antivirus and malware scans on all devices
  • for any unauthorized or suspicious activity 
  • Report any suspicious activity or device access to university's cybersecurity team

 

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