Travel with, and accessing University devices, systems and data

Travellers are responsible for information security while travelling overseas, by taking appropriate precautions to protect electronic and hardcopy information to prevent the risks of any cyber-crimes. To best protect and secure corporate and personal information while travelling, travellers must take reasonable and appropriate steps, especially in relation to international travel. Prior to departure travellers must:

• Carefully consider the information being taken whilst travelling and remove all nonessential sensitive university-related data from all devices, including laptops, tablets, iPads, smart phones and USB drives.
• Consider how the traveller will connect while overseas and either contact the IT service desk to ensure that mobile data roaming is enabled on your mobile device/s or determine whether a local SIM card can be purchased while overseas.
• Ensure they are using Microsoft Authenticator to log into any devices.
• Confirm that all accompanying devices are well-protected by checking that:
• the Operating System (Windows, Mac OS, Android) has the most recent version and updates have been installed;
• anti-virus software is installed and up-to-date;
• a strong password, PIN or biometric unlock is applied to each device;
• do not check your devices in as checked baggage or leave devices unsecured in your accommodation;
• do not plug in devices to public USB/C outlets in airports, cafes, hotels etc.
• do not use publicly available or untrusted Wi-Fi networks;
• do not use public computers to access personal or university data;
• disable any ‘auto-join’ functionality for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices;
• disable Near Field Communication (NFC) on Android and/or Airdrop on Apple devices; and
• back up data before travelling as it may not be possible to recover data from a compromised device.

For further assistance contact the IT Service Desk or further information on cyber security while travelling may be found on the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website.