Travelling for work is becoming more and more commonplace for American employees.
Priorities for a business trip can vary, but one thing always at the forefront of employer and employee minds is traveler safety.
But how concerned are you about the safety of your company’s network or work device?
When caught up in the hustle and bustle of business travel, it can be easy to forget about the importance of keeping in check with your company’s network security policies.
Unfortunately, losing focus while being so vulnerable can be bad news for a business.
Protecting yourself and your company from data breaches and incidents can be as simple as following these business travel tips.
Using a computer provided in a hotel lobby or café can be especially risky because you can’t control who will use the computer before or after you do.
This can leave you vulnerable to keylogging programs or other tracking software.
Using a public computer for general tasks such as checking the weather or looking for a place to catch some grub is fine, however, avoid logging in to any personal or business accounts.
If you find yourself in absolute need of accessing your email or Facebook news feed, be sure to use the incognito or a similar browsing setting in order to protect your information.
Once you finish looking about, clear your browser’s history, cache, download history, and cookies.
In the event your work laptop or cell phone gets stolen, setting your device to require a password for access can help deter thieves and hackers from getting private information from it.
While other measures such as encryption should still be put into place, making your device password sensitive is an easy way to buff up your device's security on a business trip.
Speaking of encryption, setting your device up with encryption software can also help keep your information safe from prying eyes.
Be sure to encrypt your device before any business travel to ward off hackers.
Using a VPN provided by your company is another way to help secure information on your device.
By accessing the internet through a private network, you are able to keep your credentials, transaction info and location secure and encrypted.
If your company doesn’t provide a VPN, never fear – you have plenty of paid and free options to choose from (unlimited VPN also comes standard on Calyptix AccessEnforcer).
Software companies release patch updates regularly in order to keep ahead of the latest hacking trends such as malware and phishing attempts, so updating your device before embarking on your business journey can help minimize your risk for a successful attack.
As annoying as it might be, a software update can be the thing that stands between your company’s sensitive information and a malicious attack.
To the trusting eye, a Wi-Fi network with the same name as the locally loved coffee shop you’re in may not seem like a security threat at all.
However, hackers have been known to create fake networks that attract unsuspecting victims.
Avoid using unprotected networks. If you’re out and about and find yourself needing to hop online, but don’t see a secure network to use, use the hotspot access from your cell phone.
4G networks are much more secure than any local network you find in the area.
A lost or stolen smartphone can be heartbreaking, but it doesn’t have to lead to a data security disaster at your company.
Android and iOS provide ways to wipe your phone of all personal data even when it’s out of your reach.
Android’s Device Manager will allow you to remotely wipe, ring, or lock a device, or view its location on a map.
iOS’s Find My iPhone tool provides similar options.
Make sure these features are enabled BEFORE you travel or lose a phone. Here’s how:
Above all else, exercise caution whenever plugging into the world wide web while adventuring across the nation (or world).
Not knowing who or what to trust leaves you and your company at a severe disadvantage during travel.
By following these business travel tips, you can help ensure that you won’t be the weak link between your company and a successful hacking attack.
AccessEnforcer 5.0 comes with the tools you need to secure remote access while you're traveling for work. Learn more!
Eight Ways to Stay Secure while Traveling
Internet Security for Travelers