Summer is a popular time to step away from the office—whether it’s a long-awaited vacation or a business trip abroad. With more professionals relying on technology from the road, it’s also an ideal time to revisit best practices for staying secure and productive while traveling.
At Optimal Networks, we’ve been serving the IT needs of busy DC executives for 34 years. In this guide, we’ve organized actionable travel tips into four straightforward categories: what to do in preparation, the tools and equipment you’ll need, the risks you should avoid, and the critical steps to take once you return home.
Follow these steps to make sure your technology—and your peace of mind—travel right alongside you.
Actions to Take in Preparation
1. Talk to IT
If you’re traveling internationally, check in with your IT team before departure to confirm any special security protocols for international access. More security-conscious organizations may provide loaner devices with limited access for high-risk travel destinations.
2. Back Up Your Devices
Before you head out, back up your phone and laptop. If your laptop is on a continuous backup solution, verify that everything is working properly. Devices can get lost, damaged, or stolen and having an up-to-date copy of your critical data can save you from a devastating loss.
3. Sync Important Files
If you primarily use SharePoint, OneDrive, or similar platforms, know that not all your documents will be available offline by default. Make sure to sync important folders and files to your device ahead of time so you can work on them without internet access and without removing (downloading) them from where they are secured and backed up.
Must-Bring Tools and Equipment
4. A VPN Package
A VPN protects your information by encrypting your web traffic. This shields your browsing activity, login credentials, financial data, and sensitive company files from hackers, especially on unsecured networks (more on these below). Our chosen corporate VPN solution is Perimeter 81.
5. A Lightweight Plug Adapter
If traveling internationally, bring a lightweight international plug adapter to keep your devices powered up without hassle. Here’s one from a brand we like: Anker. These can also provide additional ports so you can charge multiple devices from one outlet.
6. A Portable Power Bank
A power bank can top off phones and small electronics when outlets aren’t available. While it’s not a substitute for regular charging, it’s a great backup option to help you stay powered up in a pinch. Anker has several of these, too.
Risks to Avoid
7. Fake Booking Sites
There’s been a 900% increase in travel scams over the last couple years. Fake ads lead to fake booking sites that install malware or steal information from you. Book your flights and stay from a fresh window where you navigate to the provider’s site directly.
8. Public Wi-Fi
Over half of public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. If you must connect to public Wi-Fi, ensure you use that VPN package we mentioned in the section above. If you can’t get a VPN, use your phone or laptop as a personal hotspot instead.
9. USB Charging Stations
Public USB charging stations can be compromised through a tactic known as “juice jacking,” where malware is installed through USB ports. Use an AC power outlet instead whenever possible. If you must use a USB station, make sure you do NOT approve prompts to trust connected devices.
10. Random QR Codes
Fake QR codes are increasingly used in phishing attacks (“quishing“) where you’re directed to a website designed to—you guessed it—install malware or steal information. If one looks suspicious, search “[product/vendor] + scam online to see if there are previous reports.
Closing the Loop
11. Scan Your Devices
Upon returning, connect with your IT team. They may want to run security scans on your devices to ensure they weren’t compromised during your travels.
12. Resync Your Files
Make sure any work completed offline successfully syncs back to your organization’s cloud platforms—such as SharePoint or OneDrive—to maintain version control and get current versions back into the protected environment.
By following these steps in preparation, packing the right tools, avoiding common risks, and closing the loop with IT, you’ll stay connected, secure, and productive no matter where your travels take you.